History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

CIPS READY FOR COMEBACK

Danny Cipriani cannot wait to complete his miracle comeback on Wednesday night.

The England fly-half returns for London Wasps against Bath - six weeks ahead of schedule following an horrific ankle injury he suffered four months ago against the same opponents.

And Cipriani, 20, believes he will return a better player thanks to his determination, a strict no-alcohol diet and around-the-clock physiotherapy.

That could lead to an England recall for the autumn internationals even though his injury has kept him out of the current Elite squad.

"It would be totally frustrating if I can't get picked for England," Cipriani said. "But I would like to think that if you are playing well enough then the best players will get picked at the time.

"I was working from nine in the morning with Prav Mathema, the Wasps head physio, and then in the day with Margo Wells, a sprint coach, before more physio with specialist Kevin Lidlow at 9 in the evening.

"I'm glad it is over now and I can't wait to get on the field again.

"My strength running is as good as it was last year, and I am yet to do my sprint training. I'm trying to influence the plan and by the end of November I should be quicker than last season."

Wasps head coach Ian McGeechan added: "It's quite incredible how quickly Danny has recovered. The way the whole programme has gone since May has been fantastic.

"And a lot of credit goes to Danny. He is at least where he was at last year now."

Labels: Daniel Cipriani, England, RFU, Wasps

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:51 pm | Permalink | Comments

DERBY CORNER QPR IN LOFTUS LATE SHOW

Queens Park Rangers' 100 per cent home record was ended as Paul Jewell's Derby County earned their first away win in the league for 18 months thanks to two goals from corners in the last ten minutes. Defender Martin Albrechtsen struck home the first from eight yards when the ball rebounded kindly for him and eight minutes later substitute Emanuel Villa nodded in to ensure the result.

The travelling side, relegated so unceremoniously from the Premier League last season, have now earned eight points from their last four Championship games and look to be finally getting over their relegation hangover.

Iain Dowie's side had been in great form going into the game, having claimed the unlikely scalp of Aston Villa in the Carling Cup Third Round in midweek - a victory that has earned them a fixture against Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in mid November. But they were brought back down to earth with a bump after failing to deal with set pieces late a match that only took light in the second half.

The first 20 minutes were played at a high tempo without either team managing to engineer a clear-cut chance. QPR's solitary striker Dexter Blackstock, who had been rested for Wednesday's shock Carling Cup Third Round win at Villa Park, had few chances to test Roy Carroll in the visitors' goal.

But when he first did, after 22 minutes, Carroll's defence came to the rescue. Real Madrid loanee Daniel Parejo sprung the Derby offside trip on the right-hand side of the area, having been cleverly found by Emannuel Ledesma. The borrowed Genoa youngster squared to Blackstock, who slid in for what looked like a certain goal.

But Derby right-back Paul Connelly had other ideas and, having tracked back, managed to put his body between Blackstock and the goal-line. His goalkeeper thanked him with a ruffle of his hair.

Derby had their best chance of the half five minutes later, when full-back Jordan Stewart fed Stephen Pearson on the left wing and he hit a low cross towards attacker Rob Hulse, who could not quite step round the onrushing home goalkeeper Radek Cerny. Hulse's toe-poke was first blocked by the former Tottenham stopper and then booted out for a corner.

After the interval the game opened up more and both sides had good chances to score. Two minutes into the half, tricky Italian Ledesma weaved his way into the box on the right. His deflected shot had Carroll scrambling back across his goal, but it found the post and bounced behind. From the resulting corner the 20-year-old flashed a shot over the bar, and two minutes later he tried to chip Carroll but dragged it wide right.

Blackstock then hit a post when he cleverly turned his marker from six-yards out, but the away team soon hit back in this ding-dong battle. On 62 minutes Hulse should have scored when put clean though but he was brilliantly tackled by Damion Stewart.

Defender Miles Addison shaved Cerny's cross bar with a 35 yard screamer and winger Nacer Barazite, on loan from Arsenal, then blazed over from Jewell's side. But it was his corner from the left, with 10 minutes remaining that found its way to Albrechtsen, who cooly finished. Substitute Steven Davies then swung a corner in from the same position and Villa's header was too good for Cerny.

Labels: Aston Villa, Championship, Derby County, Iain Dowie, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:49 pm | Permalink | Comments

HODGSON WARY OF DI MICHELE THREAT

Roy Hodgson believes that West Ham’s new striker David Di Michele is like Italian legends Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero.

The Fulham manager coached Di Michele while at Udinese seven years ago, and is surprised that Torino have loaned the six-cap Azzurri star to West Ham, who go to Fulham on Saturday.

Fulham have not beaten the Hammers at home in the league since 1966, and Hodgson reckons they will have to stop Di Michele to buck the trend.

"He is a very skillful player and someone who is very adept in front of goal," Hodgson said of the 32-year-old hitman, who scored a match-winning brace last weekend on his debut against Newcastle United.

"He is very good at sniffing out goal chances and then taking them because he has very good technique and manipulates the ball very well.

"I have been surprised by his career in some respects that he has moved on so many times - he has had a lot of clubs. With the talent he has you would have expected him to be like a Del Piero or a Baggio.

"He is a good signing for West Ham and he has started off like a house on fire. We shall be very aware of his goal-scoring ability and we will try to make it hard for him to find the space he needs. But we will have a job on our hands."

And Hodgson is hopeful that his own new signing, Bobby Zamora, is ready to show his old club what they are missing.

"He was highly rated at Upton Park and I spoke to [ex-manager] Alan Curbishley very recently and he said that he was very disappointed that he had to let Bobby go," continued Hodgson.

"Whenever players play against their old club they always have that extra bit of spring in their step. I’ve been very impressed with him, with his attitude.

"Bobby is very keen to be here, keen to work and interested in what we do tactically. So far he has very much been the player thought I was signing."

Labels: David Di Michele, Fulham, Premier League, Roy Hodgson, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:47 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE FEARS DERBY WILL RECOVER FROM RELEGATION HANGOVER

Queens Park Rangers fear Derby County are about to come round from their relegation hangover - starting at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Rangers are fourth in the Championship with Derby struggling in 20th spot having been relegated last season with the worst ever top-flight record.

But QPR boss Iain Dowie has the utmost respect for his counterpart Paul Jewell.

The pair, both 43, locked horns five years ago when they managed Oldham and Wigan respectively down in League One.

And Dowie is full of praise for his under-fire old sparring partner.

"Paul is a very good manager and I have a lot of time for him," Dowie said. "He is a training ground manager like I am and he is a passionate man.

"We'll look to share a beer or a glass of wine after the game at Loftus Road, I'm sure."

Jewell has made wholesale changes at the County Ground, and Dowie believes that it is only a matter of time before things click for his former sparring partner.

"The supporters need to give him time to make his mark," Dowie added. "He is getting the staff he wants around him now, and Chris Hutchings is a good NO.2.

"Derby is a very big club with a very big fan base, so Paul doesn't need anyone to tell him about the expectations. They are starting to turn things around and they have posted five points from a possible nine on the board. We know it is going to be a very tough task for us.

"They have spent decent money and brought in decent players, like Rob Hulse. Their current position in the table belies the manager they have and the quality they have in their squad. At the end of the season they won't be far away from where they want to be."

Labels: Championship, Derby County, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:45 pm | Permalink | Comments

McCAW HOPING TO END ALL BLACK HURT

When Richie McCaw held aloft the Philips Tri Nations trophy following the All Blacks’ 28-24 Bledisloe Cup victory at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in mid-September, it went some way to dulling New Zealand’s collective pain, inflicted after last October’s World Cup quarter-final failure against tournament hosts France. But All Black number 1014 knows, in spite of his team being crowned the best side in the Southern Hemisphere for the sixth time in seven attempts, there is still a long way to go before the disappointments of that 20-18 defeat at the Millennium Stadium are fully exorcised.

Post-France, though Graham Henry retained his position as national coach having been handed a two-year extension in December, there followed much bloodletting. Selectors, with eyes on winning the only trophy to have eluded New Zealand’s grasp in 2011, on home shores, ushered aside certain Test veterans in order to blood young talent.

In less than 12 months three-fifths of the side have changed and after some initial teething problems, the new-look All Blacks have made impressive strides in this transitional season - before the Tri Nations success there was a whitewash of touring sides, England and Ireland. Captain McCaw, however, has set his sights on a Grand Slam tour of the Northern Hemisphere in November to cap off what will be an impressive year and reaffirm New Zealand’s position as champions of the world, albeit unofficially.

The 27-year-old openside flanker, whose team take on Australia in Hong Kong before a gruelling schedule in Britain that includes games against Scotland, Ireland, Heineken Cup victors Munster, Wales and England, is in buoyant mood ahead of the tour.

"It will be a very busy month but will be very exciting too," McCaw, who announced himself on the international scene with a man-of-the-match display against Ireland in Dublin seven years ago on a similar tour, suggests. "After the unique Test against Australia we have the four Home Nations, who all provide different challenges. It'll be tough but it will be satisfying if we win.

"Winning the Tri Nations was a big lift - it was something we really wanted to do. After the disappointment of last year there was a lot of negativity about the rugby in New Zealand, so we really wanted to ensure that we did it right. We had some new players and we had two losses in a row, but the guys bounced back from that, and to come out on top on top against two other good sides was pretty satisfying. It’s gone some way to alleviating some of the pain of last year.

"But it is important we have a good tour now. It's been a challenge this year because we have had quite a lot of experience move on. But we still have a good group of guys who have been around a while and have experienced what it is like in the UK.

"The guys that haven’t played in the UK before are excited about it, and the guys that have need to ensure we use that excitement to make sure the team performs every week. If we do that, we’ll hopefully finish off the year really well. It’s been good up until now, but if we don’t have a decent tour it could easily not be so good - we can’t just go into it expecting to win every game."

McCaw has led out the All Blacks in 29 of his 65 appearances and believes that 62-year-old Henry is the right man to build the foundations of World Cup success in three years’ time. The 2006 IRB World Player of the Year, who was mystifyingly overlooked for the five-man shortlist in September (or last month, depending when you go to press), is relieved that the team and the New Zealand public can finally begin to look ahead.

"From October until the first game we had this year, against Ireland back in June, it was all looking back," he continues. "But once we got a couple wins, we could start talking about the next game and the lead up to the Tri Nations. To some degree the issue of the World Cup was put to bed. Now that the All Blacks are starting to win a few games, it looks a lot better.

"A number of the new guys in the side have impressed me too. No6 Jerome Kaino, a big but athletic man, has huge potential. Against Australia in the final game of the Tri Nations, the hits he was putting in were inspirational. Richie Kahui, who’s been playing on the wing, but could play in the centre, is another big man with a lot of skills and one to watch this tour."

He believes the Southern Hemisphere’s mastering of the experimental law variations, which have only come in effect this current season in Britain, might provide the All Black with the upper hand on tour. "It will help," he says, "and it may change our approach a little bit. They improve the game, in my opinion, but I don’t think it is 100 per cent right yet - there are some things that could be done away with. But if the referee is strong at the break down, then you get some good rugby."

McCaw lists Sean Fitzpatrick, who won a record 92 caps for the All Blacks, and his old Canterbury Crusaders captain Todd Blackadder as his greatest idols. He also holds England’s 2003 World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson in high regard, having witnessed first-hand his influence. Five years ago 13-man England defeated the All Blacks 15-13 - the last time they have done so - in Wellington, and one man, who is now in charge of the England team, was central to that.

On the 38-year-old former second row, McCaw adds: "I remember they had two players in the sin bin and Johnson was the one running the camp. You could see watching him play in the World Cup in the final [which England won 20-17] he was in charge, doing the business himself and setting the example.

"The way he played, going out and produced the goods on the pitch, was inspirational. And he didn't seem afraid to drag other guys to come along with him. If they weren't pulling their weight he would make that known. His influence will start to come through for England now, too. I'm sure when we play them in London it will be a hugely different team from the one we played here in June."

McCaw’s team face Johnson’s England at Twickenham on November 29, in the final game of their tour. If things go according to plan the All Blacks, with their new fusion of youth and experience, will be on course for a Grand Slam of the Northern Hemisphere and a year of world domination. And, more importantly for New Zealand, closer to neutralising the hurt of last October.

Labels: All Blacks, New Zealand, Richie McCaw

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:43 pm | Permalink | Comments

QPR MUST NOT UNDERESTIMATE DERBY THREAT

Gavin Mahon has warned his QPR team-mates that they must not underestimate Saturday's visitors, Derby County, as he believes that Paul Jewell's side are still suffering a "relegation hangover" from last season and will be in the play-offs at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old defensive midfielder took special delight in Wednesday's Carling Cup Third Round win over Premier League Aston Villa - he is a Birmingham fan and scored an own goal when he last visited Villa Park.

But he knows that the team must now refocus on gaining promotion from the Championship, starting with victory over 20th-placed Derby, who last season became the most unsuccessful club in top-flight history.

"Derby are going through a transitional period like us, and they have brought in a lot of new faces," Mahon said. "They still seem to be suffering from the relegation hangover from last season. Sometimes that bad form does carry over into the following season.

"But everyone knows that on paper they have got a really good, solid squad, with a good manager. It is no surprise that they have picked up in the last few weeks and I think they will be in the top six come May.

"But we know our home form is key to our success. Teams have come to Loftus Road and found it very hard to play us. We have got two home games in a row now, against Derby then Blackpool, and we are going for maximum points."

Labels: Championship, Derby County, Gavin Mahon, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:40 pm | Permalink | Comments

WATFORD CAN BE TOP THREE - AINSWORTH

Lionel Ainsworth, Watford's man-of-the-match in the shock Carling Cup win over Gianfranco Zola's West Ham, believes that a Premier League scalp was all they needed to kick-start their Championship campaign.

The 20-year-old winger thinks that if Aidy Boothroyd's team, currently 17th in the table, continue to perform as they did in Tuesday's 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road, then a top three finish is a certainty.

England Under-19 star Ainsworth is confident that despite the fact that there are a number of injuries, he and his young team-mates can emulate what Arsenal?s kids did, and hit Sheffield United for six at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

He said: "West Ham are big team - they have been in the Premier League for a number of years - and I like playing the bigger teams. We more than gave them a run for their money - we played them off the park. We have to take that into the League now.

"After the weekend, with the phantom goal, it was good to get some luck to go our way. Even if we didn't get the own goal [conceded by Hayden Mullins], I thought we could get a goal anyway because the movement of the midfield and the attack was very good. In defence we looked solid too - you can't ask for much more.

"Sheffield United are a big side too, but hopefully we can go there and do a job and hit them like Arsenal hit them.

"We have had players out and the youngsters have stepped in and showed what we can do. We can start building momentum now and if we play like we did against West Ham we will be in the top three, no doubt."

Labels: Carling Cup, Lionel Ainsworth, Watford, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:35 pm | Permalink | Comments

WATFORD POP ZOLA'S WEST HAM BUBBLE

Championship club Watford gave new West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola his first dose of defeat as they overcame their Premier League opponents by a solitary goal at Vicarage Road in the Carling Cup Third Round. Aidy Boothroyd's side, victims of a "phantom goal" against Reading in the League on Saturday, were the benefactors of fortune themselves thanks to Hayden Mullins's second-half own goal.

Italian Zola, who earlier in the day had learned that his new employers would have to pay a significant amount in compensation to Sheffield United - the figure £30m had been reported - had selected a young team, but it was experienced substitute Scott Parker who made the game's telling mistake.

With 20 minutes remaining the former England midfielder handled on the left of his own box gifting the home side a free-kick from a dangerous position. Lee Williamson swung a cross over and it deflected in off Mullins's knee into the net to hand Watford their first victory at home against the Hammers in 23 years.

Watford started the brighter in an open first half, and it took only three minutes for Aidy Boothroyd's side to create their first meaningful chance. From the left Tommy Smith picked out Ross Jenkins on the edge of the box with a drilled cross, but the forward could only fizz his header wide right of Jan Lastuvka's goal.

In the absence of rested forward Carlton Cole, Fred Sears, the 18-year-old of which so much is expected at Upton Park, had been handed the chance by Zola to stake his claim to a regular first team spot and let loose a shot only two minutes after Jenkins's wayward header.

The diminutive striker, given his first start of the season, foraging alone in attack, wriggled clear in the left side of Watford's area, but he, like Jenkins, could only fire wide. On nine minutes Sears's team-mate Matthew Etherington cut in from his left wing and cracked a shot goalwards, though Scott Loach, deputising for the injured Mart Poom, clung on well.

In wasn't until 20 minutes before the interval that the best chance of the half arose, when Sears released West Ham's central midfielder Mark Noble with a clever ball behind the static Watford defence. The England Under-19 international played in the charging Noble with a pass between two defenders, but Loach was positioned well and stayed big for Noble's close range strike. He parried the shot, snuffing out the danger, and the Premier League side rarely threatened for the remainder of the half.

Four minutes before the break the home side mustered one last significant effort, when striker Will Hopkins pulled the ball back on the left-hand-side of the West Ham box. Smith raced on to rocket a low shot on target but Lastuvka was up to the task.

The contest continued to be a ding-dong affair in the second half, with Etherington again causing problems for Watford on their right and West Ham's inexperienced team allowing the Championship side time and space that manager Zola will not have been pleased with.

On 58 minutes home central midfielder Williamson clipped in an enticing delivery from the left byline, but Smith, unmarked, could only direct his powerful header towards Lastuvka, who parried the ball to safety.

The next thing the visiting team's goalkeeper had to do, however, was collect the ball from his net, as, from another dangerous Williamson delivery, Mullins deflected into his own net.

Zola's side almost levelled immediately, but Etherington's header arrowed agonisingly wide. Boothroyd's side, currently 17th in the Championship, held on for an impressive win, while Zola will hope for a fast improvement in the weekend's Premier League visit to Fulham, who also stumbled in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Labels: Carling Cup, Watford, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:32 pm | Permalink | Comments

OUR KIDS CAN BE AS GOOD AS ARSENAL'S

Whatever Arsenal's youngsters can do, Watford's can do better - that's the view
of Jay DeMerit, the Championship side's captain.

While Arsene Wenger's kids hit Sheffield United for six on Wednesday night in
the Carling Cup, Aidy Boothroyd's nippers defeated West Ham United 1-0.

And this Saturday they too play Sheffield United, this time in the
Championship, glowing with confidence.

Boothroyd has been forced to utilise his youngsters with over 10 injuries to
first-team players.

But they are rising to the challenge, 28-year-old skipper DeMerit believes.
"Youngsters coming through and performing is really what we need, and what's
happening," said the American.

"We have a small squad anyway, but with so many injuries there is only one
thing that can help us, and that is young guys stepping up and doing the job.
We have more than enough confidence that these guys can do that.


"Adrian Mariappa (21) has done a really good job coming in at right back and
Jordan Parkes (19) impressed. Scott Loach (20) in goals made some good saves
and Ross Jenkins (17) and Lionel Ainsworth (20) played very well against West
Ham too.

"Will Hoskins (22) , who was filling in for Tamas Priskin and Grzegorz Rasiak,
did a magnificent job. We needs to keep that going, because competition is
never a bad thing, especially in a small squad like this."

On Saturday's game at Bramall Lane DeMerit added: "Cup runs can always spur on
League runs, so that's what we'll be looking to do on against Sheffield United.

"I'm sure they won't read too much into the 6-0 result against Arsenal. It's
back to the Championship now.

"A defeat like that can go one of two ways - either it will kill their
confidence or they will make sure that they don't let it happen again. But that
is down to them, not us. Our job is to go out and play like we did against West
Ham."

Labels: Aidy Boothroyd, Carling Cup, Jay Demerit, Watford

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:29 pm | Permalink | Comments

SEARS: I CAN SAVE WEST HAM

West Ham youngster Freddie Sears believes he can be the man to help new manager Gianfranco Zola in these uncertain times for the club.

The 18-year-old led the line against Watford in the Carling Cup Third Round on Wednesday, having learned only hours before that the club could be forced to pay Sheffield United £30m in compensation over the Carlos Tevez debacle.

And with forwards Craig Bellamy, Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole sidelined with injury, England Under-19 striker Sears thinks he has proved his worth to his Italian manager and has set his sights on a starting berth when West Ham travel to Fulham on Saturday.

He said: "Hopefully I have done enough to prove I can start for West Ham against Fulham. I played alright against Watford, I felt. But the more fit strikers we have at the club, the better.

"I'm not sure what the status of Carlton is - hopefully he will be back for the team. But if he is not, then I can fill in again for him, and help the team.

"We were disappointed to lose against Watford but we had a good result last Saturday against Newcastle and we will look to bounce back this Saturday against Fulham.

"It was good to start in the team. It was hard but I thought I did well. At half time he said: 'Keep going and try and stay as high up as you can.'"

On the compensation issue, which could mean that Zola is forced to sell his top players at a cut-price, Sears added: "We haven't really spoken as players about the compensation - there was nothing mentioned in the dressing room."

Zola said of Sears' performance at Vicarage Road: "I think Freddie did very well and he had a couple of chances.

"I can't be too demanding with him but I was pleased with the way he played against Watford. He is only going to get better and he will have a good future at this club."

Labels: Gianfranco Zola, Premier League, Watford, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:22 pm | Permalink | Comments

TRESCO HOPING TO EMULATE SOMERSET GREATS

Marcus Trescothick could join fellow Somerset legends Ian Botham and Viv Richards as an all-time cricketing great if he helps lead his side to their first every County Championship on Wednesday.

Former England opening batsman Trescothick has been shortlisted for the PCA Player of the Year at the end of a season when he announced his international retirement following a fight against depression and anxiety attacks.

But he has easily won his battle with the bat, striking 1,239 runs to put Somerset within touching distance of the LV County Championship title as they prepare to host Lancashire in the last four-day game of the season today.

Botham and West Indies star Richards helped put Somerset on the map with their one-day heroics in the Seventies and early Eighties.

Botham has a stand named after him, there are the Viv Richards gates at Taunton and on Wednesday they will unveil a stand named after Trescothick.

"The sides here with Botham, Richards and Joel Garner were fantastic," Trescothick said. "To be put up alongside them as the first Somerset team to win the Championship would be incredible.

"We know from winning Second Division last year we are a good side, but you only really get remembered if you win big trophies so let's hope we can pull it out."

Labels: LV County Championship, Marcus Trescothick, Somerset CCC

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:21 pm | Permalink | Comments

SMITH COULD SIP CHAMPAGNE IN LAST CHANCE SALOON

Will Smith, the Durham batsman, admits that this season was his "last chance saloon" and now, after a superb year, the 25-year-old could be drinking champagne if Durham can defeat Kent in their final LV County Championship match.

Durham, currently third in the Division One table, could snatch the title from Nottinghamshire and Somerset and celebrate winning the title for the first time in their history.

Smith has endured a couple of tough seasons at the Riverside after moving from Nottinghamshire in 2006, but has hit form this year.

He has the best Championship average - just under 50 runs - at Durham, and has convinced himself that he is good enough to sparkle not only in the domestic game, but also higher.

Smith said: "I'm proud of the runs I have scored. Over the winter I was worried this year might be the last chance saloon for me. Maybe that has helped me.

"I've really enjoyed my cricket this year. It's given me a taste of what I want to achieve in the game and it's proved to me I can do it.

"I need to do it year in, year out now, if I want to go further in the game. It has convinced me that I can do it, and do it consistently."

On Wednesday's four-day game at Canterbury, Smith added: "We have to be optimistic. Every round of games there has been a different leader. Teams have been beating teams. There are a couple of twists to come.

"It's a case of concentrating on what we are doing. It's just another game really. The Championship places an added emphasis on it, but we have to do what we have been doing all season.

"We might have been thinking we could be slightly closer to Nottinghamshire given our position halfway through," admitted Smith. "If you had given us the opportunity to be in the shake-up we would have taken it."

Labels: Durham, LV County Championship, Will Smith

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:24 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE TAKES ON MENTOR O'NEILL AND "CREAM OF BRITISH TALENT"

QPR managerIain Dowie will put friendship to one side on Wednesday when he attempts to defeat his mentor, Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa in the Carling Cup. The former Northern Ireland internationals became good pals two years ago, while at the World Cup in Germany.

And elder statesman O'Neill, who made 64 appearances for his country, has offered advice and hot drinks to 59-cap Dowie in his fledgling management career. The 43-year-old Dowie said: "Martin and I spent a lot of time together at the World Cup in Germany and we got to know each other very well and are good friends.

"I always keep track of him and of course there is the Northern Ireland connection too. I've been for a cup of tea in his office a few times. He is a very busy man but he has been very helpful."

Dowie, who scored in the 1994/95 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park to force Manchester United to a replay against Crystal Palace, is envious of the firepower his opposite man can call upon, but tips his hat for O'Neill, 56, for building a young, British side. "Martin has put Gabriel Agbonlahor in, and bought in other English youngsters Nigel Reo-Coker, Ashley Young, Luke Young, Curtis Davies and Nicky Shorey," continued the former Coventry manager.

"They are all good young players and in Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, John Carew, Brad Friedel and Stiliyan Petrov he has some experienced players too. Martin's side have a very good balance and it is refreshing what he is doing in regards to selecting young Englishmen, when these days teams are packed with foreigners.

"In Ashley Young, one of the best natural wingers in the game, and Agbonlahor you have the cream of British talent. I went to watch them on Sunday against West Bromwich and they were a real potent attacking threat. I don't think I need to get my players up for it. If you are not up for playing against the best young British players in the country then you should not be in the game."

On the prospect of QPR, who sit fourth in the Championship, progressing to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, Dowie added: "We have a very pacy defence but it is difficult when Agbonlahor drops off and even if you hold a high line he can get behind you. And John Carew is a big part of his game and a good foil for him, so we will have to be on our game.

"Martin has a history of wanting to do well in this tournament and we will be very strong. Will not shut up shop at Villa Park either, so it should be an interesting game."

Labels: Aston Villa, Carling Cup, Iain Dowie, Martin O'Neilll, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:28 pm | Permalink | Comments

SHRECK: NOTTS CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE CAREER PINNACLE

Nottinghamshire's Charlie Shreck says winning this year's LV County Championship would be the "pinnacle" of his career.

The 6ft 7in seamer missed out when his team won the title in 2005 as he was recovering from a stress fracture in his back.

And the 30-year-old, whose table-toppers will clinch the championship if they beat Hampshire at Trent Bridge this week, is desperate to make up for that this year.

He said: "I was happy for the guys when they won [in 2005] but I did feel like I was not part of the union or the squad. I hadn't offered anything at all to the team.

"So this year, having played every game, if we win it will be amazing for me. It would be the highlight of my career. It would be great to be the best domestic team of the year.

"Four-day cricket is the pinnacle of domestic players' careers and if we can win then we will go down in the annals. It is a six-month season and it is the toughest challenge we have."

Two months before an England XI will take on a West Indies Select XI for $20m in the Stanford Super Series Twenty20 match, Shreck is in no doubt that the longer forms of the game are more important.

"I think county cricket is vital," he continued. "I view Test matches as the pinnacle of cricket. The four-day domestic games are feeders for that. In Twenty20 games, which only take three hours, anyone can win.

"The longer the duration, the better team wins, so it must be the pinnacle of our game both domestically and internationally.

"Twenty20 games are not really a test. The competitive nature of four-day games are in the field with the tactics - it is the hardest form and that is why there is such esteem in playing it. It deserves more money - we should take the money brought in from the Twenty20 game and put it into the four-day game."

Ahead of the final game, Shreck added: "We are very confident. We are a very relaxed team and we have managed to get wickets at the right times, bowl teams out and score enough runs when we have needed to. We have not really had any stutters in four-day cricket."

Labels: Charlie Shreck, LV County Championship, Nottinghamshire

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:27 pm | Permalink | Comments

MASCARENHAS HOPING TO MAKE UP FOR TWENTY20 DISAPPOINTMENT

Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas wants to make up for the disappointment of missing out on England's squad for the $20m Stanford Super Series by leading his side to their first County Championship title in 35 years.

The 30-year-old all-rounder's team face leaders Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, knowing that victory could steal them the title - an amazing achievement considering they were at the foot of the table only weeks ago.

Mascarenhas, who took over as Hampshire captain from retired Australian great Shane Warne at the start of the season, said: "A couple of months ago, we were rock bottom, so it's been a huge turn around for us, and now he have a chance to actually win the Championship.

"There's a lot to play for. There's four teams that can win it and there's four teams that can get relegated, so it bodes well for a great round this week."

The only English player to take part in the Indian Premier League, Mascarenhas had been a regular in England's limited overs set-up since making his ODI debut in July 2007 and has 10 Twenty20 caps to his name, making him one of the more experienced players in the format.

But his exclusion from England's 15-man squad to play the West Indies All Stars on November 1 has left him angry - so much so that he demanded a meeting with head of national selectors Geoff Miller.

"It would have been nice to play for England but that's not to be," he continued. "I didn't get a call so I rang up a few days after and organised a meeting with Miller.

"He didn't say a lot really. There are four selectors and they select what they think is the best side. Unfortunately there was no spot for me.

"But I've been in for a year and played every single Twenty20 game in that year. What is disappointing is to have been involved for every game and then miss out on the big one."

"[Miller] said that the door is still open but we'll have to wait and see because you can't say I haven't been performing - I'm only 12 runs short of my best ever year with the bat in the Championship.

"Samit Patel came in and did well so he has more than warranted his spot but I still think there was a spot for me, as do a lot of people."

Labels: cricket, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Hampshire, Stanford Super Series

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:25 pm | Permalink | Comments

JONNO PACKS DOWN WITH WAR HEROES IN £1M GAME

Martin Johnson, the England manager, retired from playing rugby in 2005 two years after lifting the World Cup, but the 38-year-old lock strapped his knees up one last time on Saturday in a charity match which also featured former Lions Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood, Scott Gibbs, Richard Hill and Jason Robinson.

A crowd of over 52,000 cheered as Dallaglio's Help For Heroes XV, made up of English greats, some U-20 internationals and servicemen, defeated Gibbs's International Select XV 29-10, and raised £1m for Headley Court, a Tri Services rehabilitation centre in Surrey.

Johnson, who played for 32 second-half minutes, said: "It was a very special day and emotional. The players did the occasion justice and everyone was fully committed.

"It was for a great cause, and while it was a charity game I think everyone had the same idea: you can't go into the game, when we are raising money for that cause when 52,000 supporters have come, to mess around."

Captain Robert Sugden of the Coldstream Guards returned from action in Afghanistan and had the privilege of packing down in the second row with Johnson. "It was an incredible experience, a boyhood dream," The 6ft 7in 27-year-old said.

"I only started playing rugby at university and if someone had told me then that in five or six year's time I would be packing down with Martin, Lawrence, Richard Hill and Mark Regan, I would have told them that they were a maniac! They were very generous with their time, knowledge and tactical nous. The game was excellent for the cause and very unique and moving."

Labels: England, Martin Johnson, rugby union

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:25 pm | Permalink | Comments

BOSNICH OFFERED CONTRACT AT QPR

Mark Bosnich, the disgraced ex-Australian international goalkeeper who is angling for a move back to England, has revealed that he was offered a contract at Championship QPR at the end of last year.

But the former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea stopper's move was vetoed by a director who did not look favourably upon Bosnich's past.

The 36-year-old was exiled from football from 2002-07 after testing positive for cocaine while at Stamford Bridge. He was tempted out of retirement last summer and had impressed in reserve games at the Loftus Road club.

"I was offered a contract at QPR in December," he said, "but it was explained to me that there was somebody on the board who was dead-set against it because of my past.

"I totally understand that. My past is not Queens Park Rangers' past."

Bosnich, who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in Australia, added: "Life in general interests me. For a long while I lost my passion for life. I did have to deal with depression. But now it's like a new dawn. What I'll do after football, I don't know.

"The answer comes to you, maybe when you're in nature somewhere, maybe in the outback. What I do know is that the world is an amazing place."

Labels: Chelsea, football, Manchester United, Mark Bosnich, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:24 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE: DEFENCE KEY TO QPR SUCCESS

Iain Dowie, the QPR manager, is delighted with the way his team have responded since they were downed 3-0 against Sheffield United five games ago and believes that a watertight rearguard is the key to promotion to the Premier League.

Following that defeat at Bramall Lane he enforced a new defensive system which the players have adopted with great success, conceding twice and dropping only two points since.

The 43-year-old, whose team have moved up to fourth in the Championship and take on 17th-placed Norwich City on Wednesday, said: "I think a decent defence is the key to QPR's success this season and we have spent a lot of time on that.

"We have been working hard since the Sheffield United game - we have changed the system since that disappointing display. I am delighted with how the players have responded and we haven't looked like shipping a lot of goals since then.

"It has really made a difference to us. We look much more solid and we have big pace back there - we are not going to get run away from too many times."

Dowie hinted that his defensive midfielders Alan Mahon and Mikele Leigertwood's recent performances might even marginalise Italian international Damiano Tommasi, who signed as a free agent last Wednesday.

"[Alan] Mahon and [Mikele] Leigertwood deserve a lot of credit for the success of the new defensive system," Dowie added. "Damiano, who plays in the same position, is an established international and won't take long to get up to speed, but I have to be fair to the lads who are here and incumbent.

"However he is a very welcome addition to the squad and with when he is fully fit there will be good competition for places."

Dowie is wary of 17th-placed Norwich as they are a team packed with new faces including Premier League old boys Dejan Stefanovic, Antoine Sibierski, Arturo Lupoli and Elliot Omozusi.

Dowie continued: "There's been a big turnaround at Norwich - a sea change. They have had some sizable investment down there - it's a different team.

"Carrow Road is a difficult place to play - they get 25,000 fans every week. If we're not on our mettle we'll get burnt. We'll go there in good spirits, with great heart and that's very important."

QPR travel to Coventry, Dowie's former club, on Saturday and he knows these two away games are a tough challenge.

"There are two away games coming up but we're in good form, let's go there in good spirits but also be very respectful of two good opposition teams," he added. "It will be a good litmus test and indication of where we are."

Labels: Championship, Iain Dowie, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:46 am | Permalink | Comments

AFRICA IN BEIJING - KENYA FOCUS

The Beijing Games were not only special for headline-grabbers such as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt - who broke the 100m, 200m and 4x100m world records on the way to triple gold - and Michael Phelps - the American swimmer who won a record eight gold medals - but also for the African nations, and in particular Kenya.

In August, the East African country, who first competed at the Olympics in 1956, won the most medals in their history, finishing 15th in the medals table and top of the continent's tree, beating northern rivals Ethiopia, who ended 18th.

The five gold, five silver and four bronze medals was Kenya's most successful medal haul, trumping the achievements of the 1988 Seoul Games, when they won five gold, two silver and two bronze. And it was also special as it was the first time the women got in on the gold rush.

Wilfred Bungei, the men's 800m runner, finally fulfilled his potential and peaked at the right time by storming to gold at this year's Games. The 28-year-old had finished second in the World Championships in Edmonton, Canada, six years ago, but had been out of the medals in major competitions until Beijing. He finished fifth in the Olympic Games four years ago in Athens, and followed it up by coming fourth in the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, and fifth in Oskaka, Japan, last year.

In the women's 800m, Pamela Jelimo announced her arrival on the international scene with some style. In her first major competition, the 18-year-old backed up her win in the African Games in Addis Ababa earlier in the year by starting Kenya's gold rush at the Games, and in the process become the country's first ever female Olympic champion.

Jelimo, nicknamed the "Kapsabet Express", was unstoppable in the two-lap event, and was followed home by compatriot and reigning world champion Janeth Jepkosgei, 24, to hand Kenya a one-two finish. Not even Olympic legend Maria Mutola of Mozambique came close to rubbing shoulders with the Kenyans.

The 1,500m runner Nancy Langat, after not reaching the Olympic finals at Athens in 2004 or the 2005 World Championships, collected Kenya's women their second gold. Married to marathon runner Kenneth Cheruiyot, Langat, 27, had a double celebration as her eldest son turned six on the same day she won her medal.

Other Kenyan women to win Olympic medals include Pauline Konga, who bagged silver in the 5,000m at Atlanta 1996; Isabella Ochichi, who achieved the same at Athens 2004; and Joyce Chepchumba, who clinched marathon bronze at 2000 Sydney.

Brimin Kipruto went one better than he managed in Athens four years ago by winning gold in the 3,000m steeplechase in Beijing. The 23-year-old won the gold medal at the World Championships in Osaka and has now underlined his supremacy in the event.

And Japan-based Samuel Wanjiru, 22, closed the Games in style for Kenya by winning the 42km marathon race in 2:06.32, setting a new Olympic record. Wanjiru, who hails from Nyahururu, followed in the footsteps of Douglas Wakiihuri and Erick Wainaina - silver medallists in 1988 and 2000 respectively - sustaining the tradition of Kenyans training in Japan and making a big impression in Olympic marathons.

Marathon runner Catherine Ndereba, 36, was among the silver medallists for Kenya - the same medal she achieved in Athens four years ago. The 19-year-old Asbel Kiprop looks one for the future after coming second in the 1,500m, while 3,000m steepchaser Eunice Jepkorir, 26, and 23-year-old 5,000m runner Eliud Kipchoge also won silver medals. Richard Mateelong, Edwin Cheruiyot Soi, Alfred Yego and Micah Kogo completed Kenya's medal tally by taking bronzes.

KENYAN MEDALS

FIVE GOLD
Wilfred Bungei (800m M)
Pamela Jelimo (800m W)
Nancy Langat (1,500m W)
Samuel Wanjiru (Marathon M)
Brimin Kipruto (3,000m Steeplechase M)

FIVE SILVER
Janeth Jepkosgei (800m W)
Asbel Kiprop (1,500m M)
Eliud Kipchoge (5,000m M)
Catherine Ndereba (Marathon W)
Eunice Jepkorir (3,000m Steeplechase W)

FOUR BRONZE
Alfred Kirwa (800m M)
Edwin Cheruiyot Soi (5,000m M)
Micah Kogo (10,000 M)
Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong (3,000m Steeplechase M)

AFRICAN RANKINGS
Country Golds Silvers Bronzes Total (overall ranking)
Kenya 5 5 4 14 15
Ethiopia 4 1 2 7 18
Zimbabwe 1 3 0 4 38
Cameroon 1 0 0 1 52
Tunisia 1 0 0 1 52
Nigeria 0 1 3 4 61
Algeria 0 1 1 2 65
Morocco 0 1 1 2 65
Sudan 0 1 0 1 71
S. Africa 0 1 0 1 71
Togo 0 0 1 1 81
Egypt 0 0 1 1 81
Mauritius 0 0 1 1 81

ROUND-UP OF OTHER AFRICAN SUCCESSES

Kenya's rivals Ethiopia dominated the men's and women's 5,000m and 10,000m with Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba respectively. Both athletes doubled up and were firm favourites. Bekele, 26, won gold in the 10,000m in Athens four years ago and has won the last three World Championships, while Dibaba is world champion in the 10,000m and won bronze in Athens when only 19.

Swimmer Kirsty Coventry, 24, won all four of Zimbabwe's medals - one more than she won in Athens. She was victorious in the 200m backstroke and finished runner-up in the 100m backstroke (despite setting a world record of 58.77 seconds in the semi-final), 200m individual medley and 400m individual medley.

Oussama Mellouli became Tunisia's hero as he clinched gold in the 1,500m freestyle in his first Games.

And Françoise Mbango Etone won Cameroon their only medal when she retained her gold medal in the triple jump.

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR KENYA

Despite the troubled times Kenya have experienced domestically, there is much to look forward to in terms of athletics. Kenya's most successful Olympic Games will inspire the country's youngsters and many more gold medals are likely to follow in four years when the Olympic torch reaches London. In 2012, the likes of Jelimo, Jepkosgei, Wanjiru, Kipruto, Kipchoge, Kiprop, Soi, Yego and Kogo will all still be under 29 and the gold rush will surely continue.

Labels: Beijing Olympics, Kenya

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:26 pm | Permalink | Comments

HART HAPPY TO KEEP CLEAN SHEET

England Under-21s goalkeeper Joe Hart is delighted that he has conceded only one goal en route to a play-off game, to be played in October, and hopefully the European Championships, which take place in Sweden next May and June. He also backed Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor to break into the seniors soon.

The 21-year-old Manchester City stopper leaked only one goal - a penalty away to Portugal in a 1-1 draw - in England's eight-game qualifying group. After defeating the Portuguese 2-0 - thanks to goals from Agbonlahor and James Milner, also of Aston Villa - in the return game at Wembley last Friday night, England ended topping the group having dropped only two points.

Hart, who made his senior debut for Fabio Capello's side in June's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, is happy to be with the U-21s and is confident that the team can make it to Sweden.

After the Portugal victory, Hart said: "It feels good to win. We came here to do a job. Obviously it is even nicer to do it at Wembley but we won and we won the group now.

"It's good for me and it's good for the whole team to only concede one goal. We defend as a unit - it's not just me and the back four; it's the whole 11. We have Gabby [Agbonlahor] up there working his nuts off so it makes it easier for us.

"I think the seniors have a handful of good strikers and Gabby is knocking on that door. He is a bullet."

When asked whether he would prefer to be with the seniors in Barcelona on Saturday, as they start their World Cup qualifying campaign against Andorra, he continued: "No I'm not bothered. As
long as I'm in an England shirt I don't mind. It's nice to be playing and it is what I want to be doing."

Labels: Dutch football, England Under-21s, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Joe Hart

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:16 pm | Permalink | Comments

MUAMBA CONFIDENT AHEAD OF PLAY-OFF

Fabrice Muamba believes that whoever England Under-21s draw on Friday for their October play-off on the road to the European Championship Finals in Sweden, the three lions are confident they will advance.

The Bolton midfielder was one of the stars when the U-21s defeated Portugal 2-0 last Friday, and was delighted to make his first outing on Wembley's hallowed turf. The win booked England’s place at the top of their European Championships qualifying group in their final game.

England's youngsters’ hopes are high, after conceding only one goal and two points from eight group games, that they can make it to the tournament in Sweden next summer.

In the 14-club draw England could face Italy, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Serbia, Germany, Wales, Denmark, Belarus, Israel or France.

The 20-year-old, born in Kinshasa, Zaire, said: "We are really confident we can win the play-off. We are very well organised as a team and really confident in our ability. We believe we can go through to the tournament.

"We wanted to win the game against Portugal and the boys did a good job - it was more of a team performance than about an individual. The boys put in a great shift in there and we deserved to win."

And Muamba was pleased that he was able to fulfil a childhood dream. He added: "It was pleasing to play in this wonderful stadium and I was happy. I was looking forward to playing here - it was an accomplishment I had wanted to do my whole life and I really enjoyed it. It was great.

"Even when we trained on the pitch in the week it was a great feeling - tonight it was even better. Friday was very, very special and the atmosphere was great. It was fantastic to have 30,000 fans cheering you on."

Labels: Bolton, England Under-21s, Fabrice Muamba, football

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:12 pm | Permalink | Comments

CITY ARGENTINE WILLING TO BEFRIEND BRAZILIANS

Manchester City's new Argentine right-back Pablo Zabaleta is willing to put national rivalry aside and make friends with his Brazilian team-mates - and even show them how to make cocktails!

The 23-year-old, who signed for moneybags City on transfer deadline day for £6.5m, has five caps for his country and is looking forward to teaming up with international arch rivals Robinho, Jo and Elano in Manchester.

"I will become a mate with Robinho, Elano and Jo, and will teach them to make caipirinhas with the best guarana," said Zabaleta, who admitted he was shocked that £32.5m Robinho opted for Eastlands.

"I was somewhat surprised as I thought he was signing for Chelsea, having been negotiating, pushing and fighting for that move all summer."

City host Chelsea on Saturday and Zabaleta is looking forward to playing at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"It is a great stadium with good acoustics," he said. "The grass is unbelievable and perfect for playing on. I'm looking forward to making my Premier League debut.

"The project here [at City] is very interesting, with great potential. Here we will become challengers for the Premier League and European competitions.

"What nobody can forget is that I need some time to adapt in every sense, since the change will be important."

Labels: Argentina, Brazil, Chelsea, Manchester City, Pablo Zabaleta, Premier League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:08 pm | Permalink | Comments

MONEYBAGS QPR SIGN ITALIAN PHILANTHROPIST

Queens Park Rangers, one of the richest clubs in the world, have signed experienced Italian international Damiano Tommasi, a player famed for playing on a youth player's wages.

The 34-year-old, who spent a decade at AS Roma and was one of the club’s top-earners, famously instigated the paltry one-year contract in 2005 at the Serie A club in the name of fairness, as he struggled to regain full fitness.

The defensive midfielder, capped 25 times for the Azzuri, was paid, at his own request, the minimum youth wage of just over £1,000-a-month.

Tommasi is also noted for channelling footballers’ disciplinary fines to charitable causes.

Tommasi has joined the London club on a one-year deal, having signed as a free agent. He was released from Spanish club Levante, who were in such financial trouble that they could not pay their staff - not that the Italian would have minded.

Manager Iain Dowie was delighted to sign the midfielder who made over 250 appearances for AS Roma alongside stars such as Francisco Totti and Cafu.

Dowie said: "The signing of Damiano adds great experience to the squad.

"He’ll compliment what Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands provide in that area. In the short term, he could prove to be very useful to us.

"He has played at the highest level for club and country and to have a player of that calibre available can only be good for QPR.

"We’ve got some fantastic young talent in the squad, such as (Emmanuel) Ledesma, (Angelo) Balanta, (Daniel) Parejo and (Hogan) Ephraim, and training with someone of Damiano’s stature will be of huge benefit to them I’m sure."

Labels: Championship, Damiano Tommasi, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:06 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS' EXITING TRIO LEAVE WITH WIN OVER CATALANS

Harlequins' exiting trio of Scott Hill, Julian Rinaldi and Henry Paul were influential in their final game for the club, as the London club defeated third-placed Catalans Dragons 34–24 at the Stoop.

The visitors started off the stronger and broke the deadlock, after their pressure told, through an Aaron Gorrell penalty after 10 minutes.

Four minutes later Australian centre Adam Mogg sold a dummy and dived between the posts. Gorrell easily converted to take Catalans eight points up.

Stand-off Hill, 31, then instigated Quins’ fight-back on 19 minutes, as it was his clever pass that set 22-year-old winger Will Sharp on a 60 metre run that ended in a converted try. It was the speedster’s seventh try in an impressive debut season.

Two tries from Chad Randall, both converted by captain Rob Purdham, took the score to 22-8 at the break. Frenchman Rinaldi, off the interchange bench, then crashed over with 20 minutes remaining before the Catalans hit back.

Tries from Casey McGuire and winger Dimitri Pelo (2) brought the French club to within four points with only eight minutes remaining, but the home side ensured the result when Rinaldi crossed the whitewash again and Paul added the extra goal.

Though the win did not lift Quins from a tenth-place finish in the Super League, it was a fitting result for the departing trio, who were given a hearty send off by the Stoop faithful.

The Catalans, who were without leading-scorer Thomas Bosc, will hope to perform better when they host Warrington Wolves in their play-off match next Saturday.

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 8:39 pm | Permalink | Comments

TEVERSAL FC 3-0 NUNEATON GRIFF FC

Paul Thompson, manager of Teversal FC, was grateful that Jamie Smith was
available for selection in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Vase, as
the central midfielder's brace saw off the challenge of travelling
Nuneaton Griff. In the teams' first ever meeting, Thompson's side romped
to a 3-0 win and are confident that they can enjoy a good run in the
Vase.

The previous week, Smith had had to miss the 6-0 league defeat to Askern
Villa as he rushed his eight-month-pregnant girlfriend to hospital - it
turned out to be a false alarm. And Thompson admitted that his team had
missed Smith's grit and determination at the centre of the park.

After a good start to the season, Teversal had "the kick up the arse they
needed" last week, conceded Thompson, who added: "Nuneaton Griff were
unlucky to be on the end of it. We had been wound up."

Though the home team - who compete in the Northern Counties East League
Division One - dominated at the Grange Sports and Social Centre in
Sutton-in-Ashfield, it was Nuneaton Griff who had the best chance to
take the lead after only five minutes on a rain-soaked pitch.

Jamie Goodacre had felled Chris Patridge in the Teversal area, but the
Nuneaton Griff captain saw his penalty saved at full stretch by Danny Herring.
Incredibly it was the stopper's third save from four spot kicks so far this season.

"I stuck by him in a tricky pre-season," said Thompson, "and now he is showing us what
he can really do."

After dominating the half, Teversal broke the deadlock two minutes
before the interval when Smith's quick thinking proved the difference.
Presented with a free-kick from 25 yards, he cracked the ball into
the top corner as the defence were still organising their wall.

On 63 minutes, the home side doubled their lead when Rob Orton released
Michael Lyall down the left wing. Lyall's pin-point cross found the head
of striker Andy Woodcock, who did the rest. With nine minutes remaining,
Orton and Woodcock again combined before the supporting Smith was set
up - and fired home.

"It was a good win," beamed manager Thompson. "We had a kick up the
backside last week, and we missed Jamie. He is a no-nonsense footballer
who can actually play football. He is exactly what the club have been
looking for. Players feed off his kind of determination.

"I just hope Jamie's girlfriend has her baby on a Monday so we can
select him at the weekend!"

Labels: FA Vase

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:02 pm | Permalink | Comments

ENGLAND UNDER-21S ADVANCE TO PLAY-OFFS AFTER SUCCESS OVER PORTUGAL

Stuart Pearce's Under-21s ensured their safe passage to the play-off stages of qualification for the European Championship by defeating their closest rivals Portugal 2-0 in their final Group three game. With England only needing a draw to progress, James Milner's penalty and Gabriel Agbonlahor's second-half strike left the visiting Portuguese dead and buried.

For many of the England youngsters it was the first time they had run out on the hallowed turf of New Wembley, and Pearce had predicted it would be an inspiration. Under the gaze of 28,000 supporters it was the visitors, however, who, in an unseasonable drizzle, started the brighter. But they would be made to pay for their profligacy.

Knowing only a win would do, the Portuguese attacked with relish and took only five minutes before testing England stopper Joe Hart. Miguel Veloso's corner found the head of Adelino Freitas but the Manchester City man instinctively clawed the ball from the goal from point-blank range, showing why senior coach Fabio Capello rates the 21-year-old so highly.

Three minutes later Ricardo Vaz Te flashed a shot over the bar as the England defense were caught napping again. On 23 minutes Bruno Gama should have done better but scuffed his shot wide. A couple of minutes later Paulo Machado had time and space to run from midfield and fizzed a shot past Hart's right post.

Only after half an hour did England start firing, and alarm bells rang for Portugal. Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone, playing in central midfield, dinked in a free-kick from deep on the left and centre back Michael Mancienne headed the ball into the side netting.

On 32 minutes Agbonlahor chased what seemed a lost cause, but the Aston Villa man out-paced then out-muscled two defenders before pulling back for Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson, who had scored in the reverse fixture which had ended 1-1. He could not be the hero this time, however, as his shot skidded wide.

After more England pressure, Machado was caught in possession in his own penalty area by Fabrice Muaba, who was charging in to collect Agbonlahor's pull-back. The midfielder could only connect with Muamba's foot, and the penalty was given.

Milner, making his record 38th appearance for the U-21s, stepped up and slotted the ball in the bottom left-hand corner, sending goalkeeper Rui Patricio the wrong way.

After the interval England started as they had left off, finding space in the middle of the pitch. The Portuguese defense did not know how to cope with the pacy Agbonlahor, and he soon got his reward. Mark Noble threaded a delightful ball for the striker to run on to, and he obliged, tucking the his finish under Patricio on 63 minutes.

The win extended England's win at U-21 level to 25 games in normal time, and completed an impressive qualifying campaign which reads: played eight, won seven, drawn one and conceded only one goal. Pearce's side will feature in a play-off game next month, but have ambitions on improving on their semi-final finish last summer, if they do play in next year's tournament in Sweden.

Labels: England Under-21s, Portugal, Stuart Pearce

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:05 am | Permalink | Comments

NOBLE AIMS FOR TOP SPOT

England Under-21s midfielder Mark Noble can't wait to play on the hallowed New Wembley turf for the first time on Friday when he takes on Portugal Under-21s in the crucial European Championships qualifier.

The West Ham man played at the old Wembley twice - once for his school and once for his district in finals - but lost both games. The 21-year-old, who has scored two goals in the qualifiers so far, is hoping to make it third time lucky against the Portuguese.

With this final game to play, England currently top Group three, ahead of Friday's visitors by six points, and need only a draw to ensure a play-off place for the Championships, which begin in Sweden next May.

Noble said of England's home of football: "We have just trained here [at Wembley] and it is a great surface, the atmosphere is going to be great. Hopefully we can do it justice - we want to put a show on for the fans.

"This will be the first time I have played at New Wembley. I was lucky enough to play at the old Wembley a couple of times with my school and district. I lost both times and they were finals. So I hope it's third time lucky!

"The most import thing is winning - we have to win and finish our group campaign off with a bang. We know we are nearly though but we want that top spot."

Labels: England Under-21s, Mark Noble, Portugal

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:57 pm | Permalink | Comments

WEMBLEY WILL BE VITAL EXPERIENCE FOR U-21S - PEARCE

Stuart Pearce, the England Under-21s Head Coach, believes that playing at Wembley will help inspire his players to victory over Portugal on Friday night, in the final game of their European Championship qualifying group.

The 46-year-old, who won 78 senior international caps for England, is positive that it is important for the development of his young chargers that they gain experience of playing on the hallowed turf, as for many it will be for the first time.

The former Manchester City manager, who has been in charge of the Under-21s since February last year, said: "It is vital that the players get some experience of Wembley. We spoke at The FA many months ago about bringing the game here. It will be a fantastic experience for them.

"What we really don't want is a group of players, if any of them are lucky enough to break into the seniors, to step out for the seniors and for it to be the first time they have played at Wembley.

"So when they step out on the big stage, maybe for the seniors in months, or maybe weeks, to come it is not new to them; it doesn't daunt them - it is their home. It should be treated as a home ground. I expect my players to come here and raise their game."

Pearce has steered the Under-21s to the top of Group Three and they need only a draw to ensure a play-off game en route to the European Championship finals which will take place in Sweden in May next year. But he insists that his players will be working their socks off to be sure of the full three points against Portugal.

"We have got a nice team spirit and camaraderie in the camp and this is our home pitch and should be treated in that manner," Pearce added.

"The players like each others' company when they get together on a monthly basis.

"Our aim is winning the whole tournament, and we know what that will entail. So there won't be any relaxation from the players on Friday.

"This is another step of the way - our first aim was to get out of the group and it will be good to knock the Portuguese out, if we can, as they are a strong team."

Labels: England Under-21s, Portugal, Stuart Pearce

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:52 pm | Permalink | Comments

NOBLE: PLAYERS KEPT IN DARK OVER CURBISHLEY RESIGNATION

West Ham United players had no inkling that Alan Curbishley's relationship with the club's board had become so strained and were kept in the dark about the clashes over transfer policy that culminated in his exit.

Indeed, the 50-year-old's resignation on Wednesday, on the back of West Ham's best start to a Premier League campaign in almost a decade, came as a complete shock to his former troops, Mark Noble has revealed.

The Under-21 midfielder, who strides out at Wembley on Friday for the first time as Stuart Pearce's team go in search of a draw against Portugal to ensure a play-off en route to next summer's European Championships, was having lunch when he first learned of the news on television.

The 21-year-old had been conversing with U-21 team-mate Steven Taylor about Newcastle's precarious situation when he suddenly saw his own club were the ones who had lost their manager.

"I was sitting down eating lunch and we were chatting about all the stuff about Kevin Keegan and that news popped up," he admitted. "I was talking to Tails [Steven Taylor] about what was going on at his club Newcastle and then I found out that I didn't have a manger.

"I've had some texts from team-mates - we have all been in touch wondering what is happening. They only know as much as I do. He is a proud man but I don't know what was going on. The only certainty is that we are going to have a manager, but I don't know who that will be."

Noble praised Curbishley's contribution to the club he had been in charge of since December 2006. The former Charlton manager first saved West Ham from relegation in the 2006/07 season before steering them to 10th last term.

"After we managed to stay up we were hoping to push on after last season, which we saw as a stepping stone," continued Noble. "But as players we have to get on with things now. It is important for us to get it sorted out sooner rather than later both for the club and the players.

"The most important thing is that in the game against West Brom the players put themselves about. We have to go out there and do what we have been doing since the start of the season. We have had our best start in nine years so hopefully we can keep that up and carry on."

Labels: England Under-21s, Mark Noble, Premier League, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:51 pm | Permalink | Comments

PEARCE: NO TO WEST HAM AND ANYONE ELSE

Stuart Pearce has no interest in managing West Ham, or any other Premier League club, for the moment and has taken a swipe at owners wanting instant success.

The England Under-21 head coach believes there is too little job security at club level in the current climate.

Following Alan Curbishley's resignation from West Ham on Wednesday over disagreements about the club's transfer policy, the 46-year-old former Hammer has been linked to the club.

But Pearce, whose contract with the U-21s finishes in the summer after the European Championships, said: "I manage this team and am very proud to do so.

"I will not be stepping down from this job because I love the job I do. I said to the FA bosses when I took the job that I would honour my contract.

"My players have got to know that Stuart Pearce is their manager come hell or high water till next summer, all being well."

The former Manchester City manager blasted club owners who opt for foreign managers over Englishmen.

He added: "There are a lot of fantastic English managers about and I think we knock what we've got under our own noses.

"I look at managers that I hold in high esteem and one minute they can be the most chased after people and the next minute they are out of work and unemployable.

"I find that quite sad. There has to be an open relationship between owners and managers where you sit down together as a group.

"You need to say 'What are the financial constraints we're working under as a football club? What sort of players do you need bringing in? And what ones do you need to get out?'"

Labels: England Under-21s, Premier League, Stuart Pearce, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:49 pm | Permalink | Comments

CITY TO BID £132M FOR RONALDO

Manchester City's mega-rich new owners are aiming to buy Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas in the January transfer window - and they don't mind splashing out hundreds of millions of pounds to get them.

Abu Dhabi United Group (Adug), who want to make City the biggest club in the world, broke the British transfer record on Monday, spending £32.5m on Brazilian forward Robinho just minutes before the transfer window closed.

And had Adug's £210m takeover gone through earlier than Sunday, a number of other top players could have arrived at Eastlands.

On Monday, public bids were tabled for strikers Dimitar Berbatov, Mario Gomez and David Villa, while there were whispers of a £45m offer for Liverpool's Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the Euro 2008 final.

Anil Bhoyrul, editorial director of www.arabianbusiness.com and a close friend of Adug figurehead Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, claims that Portuguese winger Ronaldo, who plays for City's rivals Manchester United, could be signed for a staggering £132m.

Bhoyrul had a meeting with Al-Fahim on Monday and said of their conversation: "He plans to do with Manchester City what [Roman] Abramovich did with Chelsea.

"I have a list of the players Dr Sulaiman wants to go out and bid for. One is Ronaldo. He says he does not have a problem tabling a £120m bid, just to see what the reaction is. His tactic is to say to Manchester United and Chelsea: 'Hey, we're in town.'

"He also rates Torres and Fabregas. With Ronaldo, he thinks they are the three best players in the world."

Al-Fahim himself said: "Funds are available - we are serious. Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious.

"Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160m but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more - I would think $240m [£132m].

"But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United."

Labels: Abu Dhabi United Group, Adug, Manchester City, Premier League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:06 pm | Permalink | Comments

AT LIVERPOOL I WILL GROW AS A PLAYER

Liverpool's new signing Albert Riera believes Rafael Benitez will help him "grow as a player" after his move from Espanyol.

The Spanish international left winger, who transferred from the Barcelona club for a reported £8m on deadline day, thinks he will adapt to the quicker pace and physicality of the Premier League without a problem.

The 26-year-old spent a period on loan at Manchester City two seasons ago but failed to hold down a first-team place. However, he thinks he is now much better suited to the English game.

"I am eager to start at Liverpool," said Riera, who flies in from Spain today and will begin training with his new team-mates tomorrow.

"I want to grow as a player and think I can at Liverpool - a club with a lot of history that always plays to win.

"They have great players and a coach of which everyone speaks wonders. It is a big and important step, which is an extra motivation.

"There will be no excuse for me not to adapt to the Premier League, after my experience with Manchester City."

Labels: Albert Riera, Liverpool, Premier League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:05 pm | Permalink | Comments

ROBINHO WILL SUCCEED IN PREMIER LEAGUE

Brazilian Robinho will have no problem succeeding in the Premier League and is certain to become a hero at Manchester City, according to his agent.

The 24-year-old moved to Eastlands from Spanish giants Real Madrid on Monday for a British transfer record of £32.5m.

Wagner Ribeiro said: "I am absolutely convinced that Robinho will succeed at Manchester City and in the Premier League.

"He has plenty of quality and is young. Perhaps the even more offensive style of the English league [compared to La Liga] will suit him even more."

On his client's acrimonious move from Real, Wagner added: "The Real Madrid problems are already forgotten. The best solution for all parties was for him to leave.

"Real Madrid seemed to have no interest in selling Robinho to Chelsea. I cannot say more of the operation but we have been working all summer [on engineering a transfer]."

Labels: Manchester City, Premier League, Robinho

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:04 pm | Permalink | Comments

GARRIDO WELCOMES ROBINHO SIGNING

Manchester City left-back Javier Garrido admitted that he and his team-mates were utterly shocked when news of Brazilian star Robinho's record-breaking transfer to Eastlands filtered through.

The 24-year-old moved from Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he was one of 'los galácticos', to the Blues for £32.5m with only minutes of the transfer window remaining late on Monday.

And Spaniard Garrido, 23, has experienced first-hand what a handful the tricky winger can be, having played against him in La Liga.

"For me and the rest of the team the club's signing of Robinho has been a very positive surprise," he said. "I know him from my time at Real Sociedad and he is a very difficult player to mark for defenders.

"In England he can wreak havoc with his skills. I don't think a player of his level will have a problem adapting to English football."

Garrido, who joined City from Sociedad last summer for £1.5m, also believes that Robinho will be able to strike up a good partnership with fellow Brazilian Elano, who he used to play with at Santos - Pele's old team.

"Elano showed how excellent Brazilians can be in the Premier League last year," Garrido added. "Also that he is Brazilian and from the same team, Santos, can greatly help Robinho."

Labels: Javier Garrido, Manchester City, Premier League, Robinho

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:03 pm | Permalink | Comments

CITY FANS IN 'DREAMLAND' BUT FEAR FOR YOUTH

Manchester City fans are in "dreamland" following the cash injection from new owners Abu Dhabi United Group (Adug) and the British transfer record signing of Brazilian star Robinho.

Adug have links with the United Arab Emirates royal family, who are worth more than a trillion pounds, and are fronted by Sulaiman al-Fahim. He has vowed to turn City into the new Chelsea and end the club's 32-year wait for silverware sooner rather than later.

After former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was bought out for a reported £210m by Adug on Sunday evening, City wasted little time in tabling bids for a number of top footballers before the transfer window closed at midnight on Monday.

The 24-year-old forward Robinho moved to Eastlands for a record £32.5m, snubbing Chelsea at the 11th hour. And, aside from unsuccessful bids for Dimitar Berbatov, Stuttgart's Mario Gomez and David Villa of Valencia, there were also offers for some of the Premier League's biggest stars.

Kevin Parker, the general secretary of the official Manchester City supporters club, has heard rumours that Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo had all been approached to sign for City, who last won a trophy in 1976 - the League Cup.

"Most people knew that City had bid for Gomez, Villa, Robinho and Berbatov," said the 47-year-old, "but there were also stories that were never made public that they had bid £45m for Torres.

"On Tuesday morning there were stories that came out that said that Torres, Fabregas and Ronaldo are now on the radar. There was talk of a £120m offer for Ronaldo, just to see what United's response would be.

"Robinho is an unbelievable signing. I'm sure it is not wasted money either - this guy is the real deal, especially if Chelsea have been chasing him all summer."

On Fahim's target of City finishing in the top four this season, Parker believes a top six finish is more realistic. He continued: "Mark Hughes is building a really good team.

"We are in shock and in dreamland with what has happened, but I think top six is a good target - top four is too optimistic at the moment. New signings Shaun Wright-Phillips and Vincent Kompany look fantastic. Shaun's two goals against Sunderland on his 're-debut' were a dream.

"If we get to January and are still in the mix, it will be very interesting to see what the activity in the next transfer window will be. We should be able to attract some great players.

"But I feel sorry for the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Ched Evans [both 19], who won the FA Youth Cup with City last season and have had a sniff of first team action this year.

"With the new signings they are probably thinking: 'What's going to happen to me?' But training with the likes of Brazilians Elano, Jo and Robinho will help their game. You would hope that they will be patient. It will be much harder for them to break into the team.

"It is important that Hughes remains at the helm though. He will take us forward and is sensitive to the youth team. I just hope his position is not compromised by Adug."

Labels: Adug, Indian Premier League, Manchester City, Robinho

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:41 pm | Permalink | Comments

BRITANNIA'S BEAUTIES RULE THE WAVES

Britannia will once again rule the waves at the Olympics in four years' time - and have the best-looking female sailors to boot.

That's the view of Beijing gold medallists Iain Percy and Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, who won the Star class.

'Blondes in a boat', Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson, sailed to gold in the Yngling class, while windsurfer Bryony Shaw, who posed naked to promote the Olympics, won bronze.

And Percy and Simpson believe the girls' good looks will help raise awareness of the sport and boost the chances of more GB gold medallists when the Games come to London in 2012.

Simpson said: "I don't know about the guys, but the girls are great - some of the best in the world."

Percy, 32, added: "All of our sailors are outside most of the time and a tan and a bit of fitness goes a long way. Our girls in particular are in incredible physical shape.

"I remember when the sailors went into the Olympic Village on the last day and people like Bryony Shaw, who we call the 'Pocket Rocket' and is an incredible physical specimen, looked amazing next to the other athletes."

Simpson continued: "We were slightly taken aback by that because we know the girls have been putting in a lot of hard work, but if you see that physical fitness and toning on an athlete you think it is amazing."

Simpson and Percy, best friends for 20 years, only realised they had clinched gold with "10 or 20 seconds of the race remaining" and after not drinking for two months before the Games, enjoyed the celebrations.

"The champagne went to our heads a bit," admitted 31-year-old Simpson. "We were gone pretty quickly, I'm afraid. We were men down pretty early on that night.

"I think the achievements of the sailors can be eclipsed in four years. It's great for the whole country what TeamGB have done - it has made people much happier.

"The football team have not helped the nation's cause for a while. The whole of TeamGB were always trying, giving everything they have got to try and win. You can't ask for more than that.

"If we keep pushing in the same way and the funding remains good we can do even better as a whole nation in four years time. It would be hard to do better than the six medals we won this year, but it is possible."

On the prospect of returning for TeamGB when the Olympic torch reaches London, Percy added: "There will be a lot of pressure on us but we will be there in four years' time.

"Amazingly, after all we have been though, I was keen to get back out there straight away. I just really enjoy the process. We are always looking into how we can improve and get better, and hopefully the luck will be with us.

"It's accessible, wet, windy and fun. It is important for people to realise how easy it is to get into the sport, how cheap it is to start.

"Sailing is a difficult sport - it is like doing a formula one race without the pit crew. Things go wrong quite a lot but get out there and have a look."

Labels: Beijing Olympics, gold medal, sailors

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:35 am | Permalink | Comments