Sports Blog

Celtic beaten in Champions League before then even leave Glasgow

2008-11-26T13:37:25Z

Champions League

The blue half of Glasgow was celebrating again recently after bitter rivals Celtic were defeated in an away game in the Champions League. The bhoy's away record in the competition is simply shocking. The 2-1 defeat to Aalborg in Denmark completes a terribly poor run of results for the Scottish Champions away from Celtic Park. The most recent loss means that Celtic have picked up just one point from 18 matches in the group stages of the competition.

Hoops manager Gordon Strachan tried to put a brave face on the result in Denmark and indeed Celtics poor Champions League run of results this season. He said " Our performances away from home have been better this season. This (the 2-1 defeat to Aalborg) ranks up with one of the best away displays but as a manager you can only ask players to do so much."

The unlucky defeat means that Celtic also miss out on a spot in this season's Uefa Cup as they will definately finish bottom of the pile in Group E.

]]> Celtics Champions League record in away games: (Group stages)

2008/9

Aalborg 2 Celtic 1

Manchester United 3 Celtic 0

Villareal 1 Celtic 0

2007/8

Benfica 1 Celtic 0

AC Milan 1 Celtic 0

Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Celtic 0

Barcelona 1 Celtic 0

2006/7

Manchester United 3 Celtic 2

Benfica 3 Celtic 0

Copenhagne 3 Celtic 1

Ac Milan 1 Celtic 0

2004/5

AC Milan 3 Celtic 1

Shaktar Donesk 3 Celtic 0

Barcelona Celtic 1

2003/4

Bayern Munich 2 Celtic 1

Anderlecht 1 Celtic 0

Lyon 3 Celtic 2

"Hamilton is like Ayrton Senna" says Formula One Legend

2008-07-23T10:25:16Z

FORMULA 1

After two breathtaking pieces of overtaking at Hockenheim at the weekend and a solid performance at a wet Silverstone two weeks ago Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda revealed that Lewis Hamilton reminds him of the late Brazilian Racing genius Ayrton Senna.

The Austrian icon who won the F1 Championships in 1975, 77 and 84 said of Sundays win " The race was won by Lewis and not by the team. It was an absolutely great race from him. It was Senna type driving."

Hamilton now sits four points ahead of Ferrari's Felipe Massa while the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen is seven points adrift of the Englishman.

Lauda admits he as much as anyone was suprised with Hamilton's slow start to the season but now can see Lewis going all the way.

He said " Last year he was my favourite but then he screwed up in the last couple of races and so I didn't understand why he started this year as bad as he finished last year, but I think he's got the message now."

]]> Lauda added " From Silverstone and that difficult race, and in this difficult race, he has produced outstanding performances. So he is on the right track and if he continues like this he is unbeatable."

Despite sitting at the top of the driver's Championship and landing such heavy praise from Lauda Hamilton says he is not getting carried away with much of the season still to prepare for.

He said in the wake of Sunday's amazing victory " We are really on top of our game but we must not get too far ahead of ourselves. We've got a long way to go and we've got to make sure that we can continue these performances."

DRIVERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS 2008 (Top ten)

1. Lewis Hamilton (GB) - McLaren-Mercedes - 58 pts

2. Felipe Massa (Brz) - Ferrari - 54 pts

3. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) - Ferrari - 51 pts

4. Robert Kubica (Pol) - BMW Sauber - 48 pts

5. Nick Heidfeld (Ger) - BMW Sauber - 41 pts

6. Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) - McLaren-Mercedes - 28 pts

7. Jarno Trulli (Ita) - Toyota - 20 pts

8. Mark Webber (Aus) - Red Bull - Renault - 18 pts

9. Fernando Alonso (Spa) - Renault - 13 pts

10. Rubens Barrichello (Brz) - Honda - 11 pts

Can Dubliner Padraig emulate Tiger and Tom Watson?

2008-07-16T10:10:59Z

BRITISH OPEN 2008

Since the great Lee Trevino in 1972 only two players have managed to defend their British Open thrones.

In 1983 Tom Watson managed it and in total the Kansas City kid piked up an amazing five claret jugs.

Twenty three years later Tiger Woods won back to back opens joining the select club of defending Champions.

And for those into statistics the last European golfer to have successfully defended his title was the Scot James Braid way back in 1906.

This week at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club Ireland's Padraig Harrington aims to follow in the footsteps of Woods, Watson, Trevino and Braid but he more than anyone else knows that doing so will be amazingly difficult.

Nursing an injured right wrist the Open Champion will have it all to do if he's to challenge for the top honour but he's determined to give it his best shot at the Lancashire course.

Harrington's injury came last weekend when he played in the Irish PGA Championship, an event he won for the fifth time on Saturday.

]]> Speaking to reporters today he said that the injury would have kept him out of most other tournaments.

"If it wasn't the Open I would have pulled out. I would have had treatment and then decided I couldn't risk it. But because it's Open week I'll make the effort. However I know I will not get through 72 holes this week wothout going in the rough and the biggest worry is if I do something that will flare it up and give me a problem" said the 36 year old.

Harrington drew solace from the fact that he suffered an injury before last year's tournament at Carnoustie which also saw him miss out on practice time.

He said "It's not the end of the world. Birkdale is a good straight forward course. It would not be the worse course in the world to just have one practice round."

Spain's Sergio Garcia (pictured right) who lost out to Harrington in a play off hole last year is the favourite with the bookies to finally get his hands on the jug.

Ranging from anywhere between 8/1 and 13/1 the bookmakers believe he has a good chance of continuing Spain's excellent year in sport.

The usual suspects such as Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickleson and Jim Furyk are also hotly tipped but if you really want a flutter that could deliver big than the new Scottish Open Champion Graeme McDowell may be your man.

The Northern Irish player who virtually guaranteed his place in September's Ryder Cup team with Sunday's win is available at 40/1 with most bookmakers.

In inspired form the likes of McDowell could spring a suprise and make the most of the fact that Tiger Woods will not be playing.

Ladbrokes Odds on British Open:

S.Garcia 12/1

E Els 16/1

L Westwood 20/1

P Mickleson 20/1

J Furyk 25/1

G Ogilvy 25/1

P Harrington 25/1

J Rose 33/1

MA Jimenez 33/1

A Scott 33/1

V Singh 33/1

S Cink 33/1

R Goosen 40/1

R Karlsson 40/1

G McDowell 40/1

Selected others:

A Cabrera 66/1

I Poulter 80/1

C Montgomerie 100/1

P Lawrie 200/1

D McGrane 250/1

T Lehman 250/1

J Daly 500/1

P Walton 500/1

Clever Harry knows what Crouch can do for Pompey

2008-07-09T15:24:09Z

PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL

When Peter Crouch was sold by Portsmouth in 2002 Aston Villa paid £5 million for the 6ft 7inch striker's services.

He now returns to Pompey for over double the price but in todays crazy days of big money signings Harry Redknapp knows he's picked up the big hit man at a relatively good price.

Crouch scored 42 goals in all competitions for Liverpool over three seasons at Anfield but after the signing of Fernando Torres last season the England International was always going to struggle to book a regular starting place in the Red's side.

Now Harry Redknapp will hope the England little and large tag team of Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch can help solidify his side's place in the Premiership elite.

And judging by Crouch's strike rate over his career to date clever Harry seems destined to see his plan work.

The 27 year old has in general been consistent throughout his career and fans of Queens Park Rangers, Portsmouth (2001-02), Aston Villa, Norwich City, Southampton and Liverpool will be quick to tell you that he's a massive talent.

OLE OLE OLE - but who was your player of the tournament?

2008-06-30T10:07:52Z

EURO 2008

Firstly hats off to the stylish Spanish who brought a breath of fresh air to a major Championships and fully deserved to win on the big stage for the first time since 1964.

While striker Fernando Torres of Liverpool was the hero last night in the final against Germany Spain boast an entire squad of gifted players who for

once all pulled in the one direction for the benefit of their country.

Today the 28 year old Barcelona midfielder Xavi (pictured right) was voted player of the tournament though I have to say I disagree with UEFA's panel on that decision.

Certainly he played a major role in Spain's return to the big time and his goal against Russia opened the floodgates for his side but at least two of his fellow countrymen stood out for me.

]]> Here are the other Getminted contenders for EURO 2008 player of the tournament:

1. Cesc Fabregas (Spain)

The Arsenal Captain is a rare breed in modern day football as a wonderfully talented player who is also a team player. While he was exclusively used as an impact sub by Spanish manager Luis Aragones the gaffer finally saw sense and started the Gunner for the final. His contribution was crucial and he played his part in depriving Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings consistent possession. Fabregas was also fantastic in the semi-final against the then high-flying Russians setting up two of Spain's three goals. Aged just 21 this midfield playmaker will grace many more tournaments before his career ends and after a wonderful Euro Championships his impact on the World Cup in South Africa (should Spain qualify) could be massive.

2. Marcos Senna (Spain)

For me this was the player of the Euro 2008 Championships though many arm chair viewers may not have even noticed him. The 31 year old Brazilian who was only granted Spanish citizenship in 2006 was simply rock-like from start to finish in these Championships. Sitting just in front of the defenders he resembled the likes of Roy Keane in the hole and kept running until the bitter end in last night's final. Its hardly suprising that Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was interested in signing Senna two seasons ago. Now at Villareal he's shown just how important it is to have someone so strong, so assured and so calm on the big stage.

3. Lukas Podolski (Germany)

After Germany's first game in this year's Euros the name on everyone's lips was that of 23 year old Lukas Podolski. The Bayern Munich hitman fired two past Artur Boruc between the Polish posts to hand Germany the perfect start. Intriguingly though Podolski was born in the Industrial city of Gliwice in Poland and most of his family still lives there. Against Croatia the deceptively tall striker was on target again though his side ended up on the losing side. Ironically though his finest contribution of the tournament came in the quarter final against the fancied Portuguese. After a spell of pressure from Ronaldo and company Podolski picked up the ball on the left wing and left his marker for dust as he approached the end line before he swept in a superb cross which his club mate Sebastien Schweinsteiger crashed home.

4. Wesley Sneijder (The Netherlands)

With one eye on being crowned European Champions Marco Van Basten's Holland famously crashed out of this year's tournament at the hands of Russia. It was a sad night for a team brimming with confidence and class but how many times have we said that about the Dutch in the past? One man who may feel particularly hard done by is Real Madrid's Wesley Snejder who had a fine run of games for the men in Orange. In the 3-0 win over World Champions Italy Sneijder scored a cracking goal to break Italian hearts and confirm that Holland were serious contenders to get back the trophy they last won in 1988. He was up to his tricks again in the 4-1 demolition of the French netting from well outside the box with one of the goals of the tournament.

5. Michael Ballack (Germany)

You get the feeling that nothing was going to stop the Chelsea midfielder playing in last night's final so vital is he to Germany's cause.It's amazing that with one of the weakest defences in the competition Germany could still make it all the way to the final but it's fair to say that without Ballack they would have been back over the border alot earlier. This may have been the 31 year old's last European Championships but when the pain of losing such a major final takes a back seat he can look back with pride. Sadly though for Ballack his record in finals is a poor one. He now has a Euro Final losers medal to add to his loser's medals from the World Cup final of 2002 and the Champions League finals of 2002 and 2008. The highlight of Ballack's tournament came in the Group stages against Austria when the big man's thunderous free almost broke the back of the host's net. A giant of a performer he contribution to these games was surely as significant as Xavis and many more besides.

Can this be Nadal's year at Wimbledon?

2008-06-25T12:57:18Z

WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

It's almost impossible to dislike the wonderful Roger Federer. At 26 the Swiss star is already a legend and his five succesive Wimbledon wins speak for themselves.

The King of centre court he just doesn't know how to lose in South West London but last year the first signs of a Federer crack started to emerge.

There he was back in a Wimbledon final and though he was facing the world number two Rafael Nadal he probably thought it would be another usual four set win.

Nadal had other ideas. The reigning Champion did hold on to win but he was brought to a fifth set for the first time in his Wimbledon career.

Federer won 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 but fans leaving Wimbledon that day knew the great Swiss' run as undisputed leader in chief here could be coming to an end.

Then at this year's French Open final in Paris the clay court specialist Nadal coasted past his great rival winning 6-1,6-3,6-0. It was the third year in a row that he beat Federer in the Roland Garros final but the first in consecutive sets and in such a commanding way.

Now we must ask has the tide finally turned in the men's game?

]]> But where did Nadal come from and can he be good enough to win Wimbledon in 2008?

The World number two (a position he has held since July 2005) was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca on June 3 1986 into a sporting family. His uncle Miguel Angel once played football for RCD Mallorca, Barcelona and the Spanish National team.

Nadal was introduced to tennis by his Uncle Toni who convinced his young nephew to play left handed to benefit his two handed backhand.

In 2003 the young Spanish rocket became the second youngest player to be ranked among the world's top 100 singles players at just 16.

2005 was Nadal's breakthrough year and he went on to become the fourth youngest French Open champion ever when he defeated Argentina's Mariano Puerta in the final.

As he's improved since then his grass court game has improved too and with the benefit of two Wimbledon final defeats behind him the 22 year old is ready to make it third time lucky on Centre Court with a win.

With gorgeous girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello (pictured right) cheering him on Nadal may finally end Federer's stranglehold on this tournament but to do it he'll have to be playing at his very best.

NADAL CAREER WINS

Grand Slams: (4)

French Open 2005,06,07,08

ATP Masters Series singles wins(11)

Monte Carlo 2005,06,07,08

Rome 2005,06,07

Montreal 2005

Madrid 2005

Indian Wells 2007

Hamburg 2008

* Nadal also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2008 and the Quarter finals of the US Open in 2006.

Write off Italy and Germany at your peril!

2008-06-18T14:08:55Z

EURO 2008

I remember wiping tears of joy from my eyes in New Jerseys Giants Stadium in 1994 after watching Ray Houghton score for the Republic of Ireland to defeat the Italians 1-0 in the World Cup.

We were on cloud nine and thought we were world beaters.

A few short weeks later our boys were on their summer holidays and Italy were in the World Cup Final against Brazil, a clash they lost in a cruel penalty shoot out.

That tournament showed clearly that writing off the Italians is as fool hardy as placing Theo Walcott in your World Cup squad though you know you'd rather play with 10 men than use him!

True neither they nor pre-tournament favourites Germany have set this competition alight yet in the same way Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands have but they have experience on their side and a mental resilience that all the skill in the world can't match.

]]> Last night in Zurich it was Italy who emerged as the second placed team in the group of death putting out France in devastating fashion while Romania were miles off the pace against a second string Dutch side.

Now Roberto Donadoni's World Champions face the gifted Spanish on Sunday in what could well be the best game of the Championships.

They'll have to prepare for the clash without the talented Andrea Pirlo though, the AC Milan midfielder having picked up a second yellow card of the Championships in last nights win over the French.

Meanwhile the spotlight is now firmly off Germany desoite their qualification for the next round of Euro 88.

Chelsea's Michael Ballack ensured their quarter final berth scoring a thunderous free in his side's 1-0 over Austria.

Now Germany face Ronaldo and comapny in a game where Portugal will start as favourites.

Today German coach Joachim Low was banned for tomorrow night's quarter final but that should have a minimal impact on the side.

After their 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their group b clash many though Podolski (pictured right) and his International team mates had blown the chance to win their first European Championship since 1996.

However Germany's record in big International tournaments speaks for itself.

While Portugal's stars say they want to win this tournament for their departing coach Luiz Felipe Scolari such self imposed pressure may also be their downfall.

The latest odds of Euro 2008 are as follows:

Holland 7/2, Spain 4/1, Portugal 9/2, Italy 5/1, Germany 11/2, Croatia 7/1, Turkey 25/1, Sweden 33/1, Russia 40/1.

Chelsea spend big and land one of World Football's top prizes!

2008-06-12T11:39:29Z

PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL

Be in no doubt, the appointment of Portugese boss Luiz Felipe Scolari as manager of Chelsea is of massive, massive significance for the future of the Premiership.

With most football eyes fixed on events in Switzerland and Austria this month where the European Championships are being held the big Brazilian's new job did not make the splash one would have expected and thats just how Scolari likes it.

Prior to the misguided appointment of Steve McLaren as English manager in 2006 it was revealed that Scolari had agreed to take the English job but decided against it after a pack of English tabloid reporters and photographers laid seige to his home.

]]> Now though the iconic figure who led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 says he's ready to make the move to London.

While Chelsea experienced heartbreak losing the Champions League final in dramatic fashion last month they

may well remember 2008 as a year of great achievement following Scolari's appointment.

Chelsea FC has not as yet divulged figures but you can be sure the amount paid for the new manager exceeds any other managerial contract in Premiership football existence.

Scolari's experience of both club and International football is simply outstanding.

Since 1982 he's managed a total of 14 clubs and three countries (Brazil, Portugal and Kuwait).

Theres growing expectation around Stamford Bridge that the Gene Hackman look-a-like's appointment will also persuade the likes of Barcelona's Deco to sign for the club.

Many pundits expect to see a host of top Portugese and Brazilian stars now moving to Chelsea and with an estimated £100 million to spend this summer alone Scolari will ensure his side is the best that money can buy.

Scolari inherits an exceptionally strong squad who came so so close to being European Champions. With his knowledge and passion as well as his massive transfer kitty expect the Russian owned club to grow even stronger in the coming seasons.

EURO 2008 - Which country will your money be on?

2008-06-06T11:13:10Z

With only 24 hours to go before the start of this summer's European Championships the anticipation is reaching fever pitch on the continent's main land.

England and their merry bunch of multi-millionaire players may be sitting on their tods this summer while nations from across Europe fight it out for the European Championships but football fans here can still have a fantastic summer regardless.

Even without England or indeed Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland taking part the rolls royce of continental championships is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

It's expected to be an exciting fanfare of International football with Europe's best players strutting their stuff in the world's largest football event after the World Cup itself.

But the question remains who are we going to put our money on to win the tournament?

]]> As always money will fly over the internet, across bookies counters and around pub tables as the teams kick off.

Switzerland and the Czech Republic get proceedings under way tomorrow at the St. Jacob-Park stadium in Basel with the opening game of the Championships.

VC Bet has a huge range of bets on the various games of the tournament including - correct score, first scorer and double result (half-time/full-time) are also available for the football punter.

And the site has offered a nice twist for the sports gambler - any 0-0 match which you have wagered on means VC will refund your bet up to £100 per person per match.

Every bookmakers are offering their own brand of price deals this summer with some offering great odds on some of the Championship's heavy weights. For example the Michael Ballack (pictured right) inspired Germany are being offered at an amazing 4/1 by Paddy Power and 3/1 at Totepsort.

For a more adventurous bet, why not back apparent underdogs Croatia to reach the final?

Many pundits hold the view that the Central European country could be this year's suprise and bookmakers Pinnacle are offering great odds of 54/5 on them to make it to the Championship decider.

Others to keep an eye on include the World Champions Italy, the star studded Spanish and the plucky Poles.

Is Nick Faldo finally hanging up his clubs?

2008-05-21T14:09:43Z

GOLF

As sure as night follows day Nick Faldo has been plodding along in the world of golf in a top-flight career which stretches back well over three decades.

But now the European Ryder Cup captain, aged 50, says he will not compete in this year's Open at Royal Birkdale.

It is the first time since he failed to qualify as an amateur in 1975 that the three-times former champion will not play in the tournament.

Faldo has left the door open for a future appearance at the tournament, but said he preferred to concentrate on his Ryder Cup duties this year.

"I will play The Open again, but this year I need to concentrate," he said.

]]> Faldo's Open debut came at Birkdale 32 years ago, but all his previous wins have come in Scotland, in 1987, 1990 and 1992.

He missed the cut at Carnoustie last year and has not played a tournament since the Hong Kong Open last November.

Faldo's list of wins is a lengthy one including three Masters victories.

FALDO'S SUCCESSFUL SCORECARD TO DATE:

Turned Pro:1976

Professional wins: 43

Best results in Major Championships:

Masters: Won 1989, 1990, 1996

U.S Open: 2nd: 1988

The Open Championship: Won 1987, 1990, 1992

PGA Championship: Tied 2nd: 1992

Another season over - time for the report cards!

2008-05-14T11:51:28Z

After a dramatic season Manchester United finally lifted the Premier League trophy aloft on Sunday narrowly seeing off the challenge of plucky Chelsea. There were tears in Reading, Birmingham and Derby as the three sides dropped into the Coca-Cola Championship. GRAHAM CLIFFORD looks back on each sides performance in 2007/8 and issues them with the grade he thinks suits them best:

1. Manchester United:

Love him or hate him the achievement of Alex Ferguson in winning his tenth Premiership title is simply outsianding. This season the addition of Tevez, Nani, Hargreaves and Anderson strengthened an already strong side. It goes without saying that Ronaldo was simply amazing and after scoring 31 times from midfield in the Premiership this season he deserves all the accolades that he gets. At the back Ferdinand and Vidic stood out while Evra was once again a massive weapon in Fergie's armory.Stuttered in the closing stages but worthy Champions - GRADE : A-

]]> 2. CHELSEA: Considering they changed horses mid-stream the Blues season has been nothing short of excellent. He's had his critics but Avram Grant has brought Chelsea to within any inch of the Premiership, to a Champions League final and to a League Cup final - not bad going for an unknown! - Grade B+

3. ARSENAL: What started off as a mad dash for the league ended in a lazy stroll over the finsihing line. Adebayor, Clichy and Sagna impressive but still well off the pace of the top two. - Grade B-

4. LIVERPOOL: All the talk this season has been on events going on off the field. Despite this Benitez steered his side to fourth place in the Premiership and a Champions League semi-final. Torres the star of the show while Gerrard and Carragher were simply wonderful once again. - Grade B+

6. ASTON VILLA: With Gareth Barry pulling the strings 2007/8 saw a different Aston Villa with the Midlanders outscoring the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton. Grade B+

7. BLACKBURN ROVERS: While Mark Hughes will be disappointed that his side didn't make it into Europe for next season he and his chairman will have been delighted with the success of star striker Roque Santa Cruz. Cruz paid only £3.5 million for the Paraguayan from Bayen Munich and he hit 19 Premiership goals this season. Dropped points to the likes of Birmingham, Fulham and Reading though . Grade C+

8.PORTSMOUTH: Pompeys season will be best remembered for their exploits in the FA Cup rather than their League run. However David James had another brilliant season between the posts for Portsmouth. Grade C-

9. MANCHESTER CITY: What a season for supporters of City!? After an amazing first half of the campaign the men in blue looked destined to take a Champions League spot but after things dipped Sven received his marching orders. Grade: C+

10. WEST HAM UNITED: After their lucky escape last season hammers will be delighted with how this season fared. Football fans everywhere were delighted to see Dean Ashton back playing and the big man contributed 10 league goals in an impressive campaign for the men from East London: Grade C-

11. TOTTENHAM: Having won the League cup with victory over Chelsea Premiership form however inconsistent

Riverside that goals would be hard to come by - then on the last day of the season they netted 8 against Manchester City! Hard fighters they at times rely far too much on the skill of Stewart Downing - Grade D+

14. WIGAN ATHLETIC: After a shaky start Steve Bruce took over at the JJB and as a result the side went from strength to strength. Wigan took points off Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal this season and I for one was delighted that they secured another top flight season. Grade: C+

15. SUNDERLAND: For a while during the season it looked as though the magic of Roy Keane was beginning to wear off. Somehow (and thanks mainly to home form) the black cats managed to hold their heads just above water this season. Having sepnt £9 million on goalkeeper Craig Gordon it was obvious that Keane was expecting a season of chances for the other side! Kenwyne Jones was excellent for the northern outfit scoring seven league goals though the introduction of Andy Reid in January was also a good move by the gaffer: Grade: D+

16. BOLTON: Still perhaps one of the hardest sides to watch playing though fair dues to Gary Megson for turning around the side's ill fortune after the departure of Nicholas Anelka. Grade: D-

17. FULHAM: The seasons end was nothing short of a fairytale for the West London side as they won four out their last five games (three of those away from home). Jimmy Bullard's return to fitness came at just the right time but while they'll be celebrating on the bank of the Thames for some time Fulham have a mountain of work to do if they want to stay in the top division next season. Grade: D-

18: READING: Statistics will show that the Royals lost 22 of their Premiership games this season yet still people were suprised when the Berkshire club finally went down. The likes of Kevin Doyle and Dave Kitson were far from their best and ultimately their lack of squad depth cost them. Grade: D-

19: BIRMINGHAM CITY: When the blues lost 5-1 to Aston Villa on April 20th in a game they had to get something from you just knew their goose was cooked in the Premier League. James McFadden was a good addition to the side but in the end their poor start to the season cost them dear. A big club though who should bounce back. Grade: E

20: DERBY COUNTY: The worst side the Premiership has seen in it's history. They make a good case for allowing only two teams to win promotion each season. Relegated this time last year! Grade: NG

Would Steve Bruce really deny United the title?

2008-05-09T11:15:31Z

He was one of Manchester United's most loyal servants but on Sunday at the JJB stadium Steve Bruce can deny his previous club this season's Premiership title.

Should that happen Red Devils supporters will quickly review their thoughts on the 'Rock'.

Should Manchester United defeat Wigan then the Premiership will be theres.

However if they were to draw or lose and Chelsea defeated Bolton then the Premiership trophy would be heading to West London.

Steve Bruce has rejected any suggestion that his side might not give their all in the crucial game saying " Everybody knows me better than that. What am I going to say to the team? Just roll over and let Man United win? That's not going to happen. Make no mistake, we'll be trying our utmost."

Under Bruce the Latics have drawn with Liverpool at Anfield, drawn at home to the Gunners, and held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in April so a suprise may be on the cards though it's unlikley.

Bruce played for Manchester United from 1987 to 1996 playing 309 times and scoring 36 times. However if he hands the league to Chelsea his halo at Old Trafford will be well and truly tarnished.

Kidney to answer Ireland's call

2008-04-23T12:13:02Z

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

]]> Ireland play the Barbarians at Kingsholm on Tuesday, 27 May, prior to departing for New Zealand and Australia where they will play Test games in Wellington and Melbourne.

Kidney is overseeing Munster's preparations for Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final against Saracens to be played

at the Ricoh Arena.

Lock Paul O'Connell and out-half Ronan O'Gara are expected to take an active part in today's double training session.

Meanwhile, some bookmakers suspended betting yesterday after a flurry of wagers were placed on Jake White taking over the reins.

The former South Africa coach is currently in Dublin to speak at a coaching/referees' symposium.

White was South Africa's longest-serving and most successful coach of the modern era, having coached the Springboks to the Tri-Nations title in his first season in charge (2004) and then guiding them to their second Rugby World Cup win in 2007.

After the Boks' 15-6 victory against England in the World Cup final, they claimed the No 1 ranking for the first time since rankings were officially introduced in 2003, thus ending the All Blacks' 40-month stint at the top.

Just admit it Arsene, you messed up!

2008-04-14T13:18:43Z

PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL

I'm always amazed by the reaction of some people to the name 'Arsene Wenger'!

Many almost bless themselves when they hear the Arsenal gurus name, others just shake their head and say 'What a man'.

However the lavish praise bestowed on the French purist seems once again to be a little on the OTT side as the Gunners finish their third consecutive season without silverware.

Dumped out of the Champion's League by a Liverpool side who showed more cuteness and resilience their last lingering hopes of getting something from their season were shattered on Sunday by Owen Hargreaves. His exquisite free handing Manchester United a 2-1 win.

Wenger will blame referees, lady luck, the direction of the wind, the texture of the football and the width of the posts but at the end of the day he has to hold his hands up and say he deserves criticism for not strengthening his squad when he could have.

]]> The view that Arsenal are well behind the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in terms of financial health is now simply untrue.

In last season's Uefa rich list (which takes into account expenditure as well) Arsenal were the fifth richest side in the world, ahead of Liverpool who were in eighth. Manchester United and Chelsea may sit in second and fourth place respectively but the gap between them and Arsenal is minimal.

The Emirates Stadium is now a gold mine with millions of pounds in revenue being generated at the 60,432 all seater stadium on a weekly basis.

It's expected that Arsenal's board is willing to give the manager £35 million to spend this summer but according to those in the know Wenger is unlikely to go for big names preferring to seek out young players who he believes can be the next big thing.

Its this policy which cost him this season in particular.

It's true to say that Wegner has managed to unearth some excellent talent over the years but the likes of Eboue (left), Niklas Bendter, Phillippe Senderos, Alexandre Song and Armand Traore are hardly setting the world alight!

If Arsenal football club want to remain a nursery in football terms then fair play to them. But theres no way that they and their supporters can be suprised when sides with more established players waltz past them as the season progresses.

Wenger fans will argue that at the moment Arsenal are a team in re-building mode but why was there a need to rebuild?

Are they saying that just because Thierry Henry departed the side the entire squad had to be restructured?

Also you will hear that the transition to the Emirates takes some getting used to. However many of the players now at Arsenal never kicked a ball in anger at Highbury.

Wenger's inability to admit to failure may ultimately prove to be his downfall.

His excuses for Arsenal's poor run is especially pitiful. He said " For seven or eight weeks now we have had to swallow things (referee decisions) you would rather not swallow. Everything is going against us in every game at the moment."

With just one win in eight Premiership games Wenger can hardly blame the referees. They've dopped 16 points since the end of February and though Arsenal continue to excite on the field of play they are weak mentally and weak on the bench.

Brazilian style football is all well and good but unless Wenger can lead the Gunners to glory on some front next season the purist may be returning to France wondering where it all went so wrong.

Why the Beijing Olympics will pass without incident

2008-04-11T12:17:32Z

BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008

After the incidents seen on the streets of London, Paris and San Francisco over the past week when the Olympic Torch was targetted as a beacon of Chinese oppression many wonder if we'll see more trouble when the games take place in August.

Understandably so anti-Chinese groups and pro-Tibetan groups were passionate in their protests but in reality they were damp squibs which the television cameras lapped up.

No country has as yet boycotted the Olympics though some heads of state will not attend the opening ceremony.

In China the protests hardly made the newspapers as close Governmental control focussed on the positive side of the torch run.

Controlling what Chinese citizens see from abroad is achievable but what will the Chinese Government do if trouble errupts on the streets of Beijing?

This week a Hong Kong based pro-Chinese newspaper said "Al Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Tibetan Youth Congress are all planning to make the Beijing Olympic Games the target of terror attacks, and have strengthened collusion and collaboration."

But are we to buy these claims or are they a smokescreen thrown up by the Chinese Government?

]]> Human rights groups have said the Chinese government is using the perceived terror threats, denied by exiled Uighur groups, to justify tough political and religious controls in Xinjiangon the Chinese and Tibetan border.

When the IOC decided to hand Beijing the 2008 Olympics surely security concerns were given consideration.

China has long been accused of human rights violations against it's people and the residents of it's satelite states.

It will also be no suprise to the Chinese Government that there are protests across the world. Just 19 years ago between 2000 and 3000 civilians were killed during the Tiananmen Square protests and their track record in Tibet makes for stark reading. Also the issue of China's one child policy appals many in the west.

With this in mind you can be sure the Chinese security services are ready for this Summer's Olympics.

Every visitor will be vetted, every athlete checked out and every journalist carefully guided to see what the officals want them to see.

If ever a games would have over the top security then this will be the one. The Chinese will leave nothing to chance as they attempt to show the world why they are now it's fastest growing economy.

Should a Javelin throwers shot go astray I wouldn't be suprised to see it shot down so intense will be the security scrutiny!