Updated 1:58am 17 May 2012

Powered by Google

David Charters: Misery in the merry month of May

For down the centuries sages have noted that our best thoughts are harvested in the bath. But to enable this to happen at the highest level, it is necessary to keep the water at the correct temperature for steaming the brain. Read

Mr Brocklebank: Conquerors, you say? Hitler must be turning in his metaphorical grave

WHAT a lively affair the mayoral election count transpired to be – if only for all the wrong reasons. Read

Gary Bainbridge: The credit crunch

IT IS all Matthew Broderick's fault. He is the one who makes me do it. Read

Phil Redmond: The conundrum of getting people engaged

Whether local, national or international, election results seem to have gone the way most expected, especially in hindsight. France veered from right to left, Greece went from left to right and nationally, well, the UK seems to have veered from one side to the other of the white line down the middle of the road. Read

Blue Watch: Everton finishing above Liverpool would be no indication of success

A MONTH ago I wrote this column still hurting and hugely depressed after the FA Cup semi-final defeat. I mentioned then that finishing above Liverpool didn’t matter as we had lost our one chance to get one over them after we lost at Wembley. Read

Ian Doyle: Liverpool FC’s Andy Carroll has proved he can be man for the big occasion

IF at the start of the year anyone had suggested Roy Hodgson would take England to the European Championships with a squad including Andy Carroll, they’d have probably been asked if they were still taking their medication. Read

Ian Doyle: The rule benders box clever

THE announcement that David Haye and Dereck Chisora will fight later this year is probably the least surprising news since Elton John declared: “You know what, I’m not sure I’m cut out for this marrying a woman lark.” Read

Ian Doyle: Blackburn Rovers on a chicken run to the Championship

BLACKBURN ROVERS’ dismal slide out of the Premier League last Monday was at least enlivened by a pitch invasion. Read

Ian Doyle: Don’t take human element away from football

THIS column may be in a minority of one with the following view, but goalline technology should be kept well away from football. Read

Winnin Post: On safe ground with next year’s early title odds

WITH 20 years of experience behind it, it’s safe to say this about the Premier League – it’s pretty difficult to win. Read

Why Liverpool FC and Everton FC are staring straight ahead at the crossroads

Ian Doyle examines a pivotal summer that could shape the future of Liverpool and Everton Read

Sean McGuire: There’s only one direction for snooker when stars rise in the east

SNOOKER is enjoying huge growth in popularity at the moment, thanks entirely to the emerging Chinese marketplace. Read

Sean McGuire: Wigan reap rewards for loyalty - so who’s next?

Name,title detailshere, hereand hereAge:Handicap: Read

Sean McGuire: Damage the cup’s tradition and you jeopardise its future

THE sports industry is damaging professional sport and nowhere is this more obvious than in the downgraded status of the FA Cup and Challenge Cup. Read

Crewe book Wembley date

Seventeen-year-old Max Clayton scored the goal which sent Crewe to Wembley for the npower League Two play-off final courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate win over Southend. Read

Barton accepts one charge, denies second

QPR captain Joey Barton has accepted a charge of violent conduct against Manchester City's Sergio Aguero but denied the same charge for his confrontation with Vincent Kompany. Read

Evra proud despite 'difficult' campaign

Patrice Evra has described this season as the most difficult of his entire career and lifted the lid on the emotions he felt when Luis Suarez snubbed his pre-match handshake at Old Trafford. Read

BOA set to rubber-stamp rule change

The lifetime Olympics ban for British drugs cheats is expected to be formally removed on Thursday. Read

Scotland go Dutch with Visser

Holland-born Tim Visser will seek to prove his ability on the Test stage after being selected by Scotland for the summer tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa. Read

Cavendish fourth as Ferrari takes stage

Roberto Ferrari won the longest stage of this year's Giro d'Italia from Assisi to Montecatini as Great Britain's Mark Cavendish finished fourth. Read

QPR to investigate Barton incident

QPR will conduct an internal investigation into Joey Barton's dismissal against Manchester City and his subsequent conduct, the club have announced. Read

O'Driscoll named Crawley boss

Sean O'Driscoll has been appointed as the new manager of Crawley. Read

Dalglish sacked by Liverpool

Liverpool have terminated the contract of manager Kenny Dalglish, owners Fenway Sports Group and the club have confirmed. Read

Strauss 'not losing taste for captaincy'

Andrew Strauss insists he is "not even close" to thinking he has had enough of the England captaincy, despite his long and vain search for his 20th Test century. Read

Bent sticking with Villa

Striker Darren Bent has pledged his commitment to Aston Villa and revealed a determination to get behind the new manager when he is appointed. Read

Technology trial in Southampton

Goal-line technology will be trialled live for the first time in Wednesday night's Hampshire FA Senior Cup final in Southampton. Read

Terry picked 'for footballing reasons'

Roy Hodgson focused on footballing matters as he explained the selection of John Terry and the omission of Rio Ferdinand in his England squad for this summer's European Championship. Read

Ferdinand misses Euros

Rio Ferdinand has been left out of England's Euro 2012 squad. Read

Uncapped quintet in tour squad

Holland-born Edinburgh wing Tim Visser is one of five uncapped players included in Scotland's summer tour squad. Read

Williams team member home after fire

The Williams team member burned in the fire following Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix has returned to England where he will receive further medical assistance, the marque have confirmed. Read

Bent: Villa struggles down to players

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent admits the players have to share some responsibility for the departure of Alex McLeish but he thinks the sacking will have come as a relief for his former manager. Read

New deal for Mackie

QPR striker Jamie Mackie has signed a one-year extension to his contract. Read

Olympic flame role for Beckham

David Beckham is to make a special guest appearance at the official handover ceremony of the Olympic Flame in Athens and bring it back to Britain for the torch relay. Read

Scotland's Shingler appeal rejected

Steven Shingler is tied to Wales and ineligible to play Test rugby for Scotland, the International Rugby Board's council has ruled in a unanimous decision. Read

SFA seek more detail of Green consortium

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan will seek to discover the full composition of the Charles Green consortium which is set to take over at Rangers. Read

Catalan sign Taia

Catalan Dragons have signed signed Newcastle Knights back rower Zeb Taia on a three-year contract. Read

Lawrie has motivation

Paul Lawrie aims to mark his 500th European Tour event this week at the Volvo World Match Play Championship by showing "there is a wee bit left in the tank yet". Read

Prior not ready to believe the hype

Matt Prior was in philosophical mood as he prepared to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his Test debut on Thursday against West Indies at Lord's. Read

Gers appeal over sanctions to be heard

Rangers' appeal against sanctions imposed by the Scottish Football Association will be heard on Wednesday as the Glasgow giants attempt to see a year-long ban on signing players overturned. Read

Barton deserves heavy sanction - Taylor

Gordon Taylor has strongly condemned Joey Barton, claiming the QPR captain fully deserves a lengthy ban for his antics during and after Sunday's defeat at Manchester City. Read

Giggs backs Neville to shine as coach

Ryan Giggs thinks Gary Neville is an outstanding addition to the England coaching staff and has backed his former Manchester United team-mate to go on and become a top-class manager. Read

Grayson calls Town to finish job

Huddersfield boss Simon Grayson has called on his side to go out and win promotion after booking their place in the npower League One play-off final with a 3-2 aggregate semi-final win over MK Dons. Read

Modric 'to decide future after Euros'

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is in no rush to sort out his club future. Read

Goal-line technology could start soon

Goal-line technology could be brought in halfway through next season, according to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore. Read

Ferdinand set to miss Euros

Rio Ferdinand is set to be left out of England's Euro 2012 squad when it is unveiled by new manager Roy Hodgson on Wednesday. Read

Tindall has point to prove - Lancaster

Stuart Lancaster believes Mike Tindall will have a point to prove when he plays for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham on May 27. Read

Terriers hold on for Blades date

Huddersfield booked a League One play-off final date against Sheffield United despite losing the second leg of their play-off semi-final 2-1 to MK Dons, as they recorded a 3-2 aggregate victory. Read

'Disgusted' Cahill accepts ban

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has accepted a three-match ban for being sent off against Newcastle on Saturday but has accused opponent Yohan Cabaye of using language which has "no place either on or off the football pitch". Read

Flood given South Africa deadline

Toby Flood will be ruled out of England's tour to South Africa if he is not fit in time to play the first Test on June 9, head coach Stuart Lancaster has indicated. Read

Murray fends off Nalbandian challenge

Andy Murray was pushed to the limit by former Wimbledon runner-up David Nalbandian before booking his place in the third round of the Rome Masters with a 6-1 4-6 7-5 victory. Read

Cahill: I'll be fit for final

Gary Cahill has completed his first full training session for three weeks ahead of Chelsea's Champions League final and declared: "I will be fit." Read

Lineker makes case for Crouch

Peter Crouch has received the Euro 2012 backing of former England sharp-shooter Gary Lineker. Read

Barton gets extra time

Joey Barton has been given extra time to respond to the two charges of violent conduct levelled against him for his behaviour during QPR's Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester City. Read

Di Matteo plots Blues triumph

Roberto Di Matteo is intent on masterminding "something extraordinary" in Saturday's Champions League final and has brushed off the prospect of it being his last match in charge of Chelsea. Read

Seven uncapped players in Ireland squad

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has included seven uncapped players in his squad to face the Barbarians. Read

Ferguson eager to regain supremacy

Sir Alex Ferguson was back at his desk early Monday morning plotting how to swing the Premier League balance of power back in Manchester United's favour, David Gill has revealed. Read

Mancini wants summer of spending

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini hopes to be allowed to spend big this summer in pursuit of further success. Read

Injury blows for Wigan

Super League leaders Wigan will be without prop forwards Paul Prescott and Ben Flower for up to six weeks because of injury. Read

Whelan to keep Martinez

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan would like manager Roberto Martinez to remain at the club, but is prepared to allow him to leave should an offer be made this summer. Read

Hartley to return

Dylan Hartley will return from an eight-week biting ban in England's traditional pre-tour match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 27. Read

United accept City's Tevez apology

Manchester United have accepted an apology from Manchester City over a controversial placard held up by Carlos Tevez during their title celebrations. Read

Prior on his guard ahead of Windies Test

Matt Prior is adamant there will be no room for complacency as England set out to restate their credentials as Test cricket's number one team against West Indies at Lord's. Read

Phillips and Hook secure early release

Wales have received formal confirmation that Mike Phillips and James Hook will be released by their French clubs for the start of preparations to face the Barbarians and Australia. Read

Three-nation Euro 2020 bid considered

Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have formally declared an interest in hosting Euro 2020. Read

Ferguson and Giggs handed awards

Manchester City may have wrestled the title from their grasp, but Manchester United have been awarded two prestigious honours for their dominance of the Premier League. Read

Newport land Wales duo

Newport Gwent Dragons have announced the signings of Wales internationals Tom Prydie and Dan Evans. Read

Mancini yet to discuss new deal

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed he has yet to discuss a new contract with the club. Read

Three-way bid for Euro 2020

Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have formally declared an interest in hosting Euro 2020, it can be disclosed. Read

McLaren reach out to Williams

McLaren have offered their assistance as Williams attempt to quickly rebuild ahead of next week's Monaco Grand Prix. Read

Gill: We can still compete for players

Manchester United chief executive David Gill insists the club have the cash to compete in the transfer market despite Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that Manchester City "pay stupid money and silly salaries". Read

Wilson: Hard work starts now

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson said the hard part was still to come after seeing his side squeeze past Stevenage to reach the npower League One play-off final at Wembley on May 26. Read

Bresnan backing for Bairstow

Tim Bresnan's perfect winning ratio for England exceeds even 10 out of 10 in Test cricket - yet he knows another younger Yorkshireman is a safer bet than him to play at Lord's this week. Read

Howley excited by Australian challenge

Wales are leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to beat Australia Down Under for the first time since 1969. Read

City sorry for Tevez Ferguson jibe

Manchester City have apologised to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after striker Carlos Tevez held up a banner goading his former manager. Read

Chairman hails 'magnificent' Mancini

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has revealed the inspiration for the Blues' stunning Premier League title triumph came from the ashes of a desperate day at Arsenal. Read

Scholes to feature in one last season

Sir Alex Ferguson expects next season to be Paul Scholes's last at Manchester United. Read

Scots and Welsh consider Euro 2020 bid

Scotland and Wales are considering a dramatic late bid to host Euro 2020, possibly involving the Republic of Ireland as well. Read

City earn record league pay-out

Manchester City's income from Premier League broadcast payments for last season was a record £60.6million - but even bottom club Wolves earned £39million. Read

Wilson - hard work starts now

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson said the hard part was still to come after seeing his side squeeze past Stevenage to reach the npower League One play-off final at Wembley on May 26. Read

City apologise to Ferguson

Manchester City have apologised to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after striker Carlos Tevez held up a banner goading his former manager. Read

Sheffield United in play-off final

Chris Porter's late header sent Sheffield United into the npower League One play-off final after a 1-0 semi-final victory over Stevenage. Read

Scholes staying on

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed veteran midfielder Paul Scholes has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. Read

Mancini relives season finale at parade

Roberto Mancini described the final moments of Manchester City's decisive win over QPR as "the best and worst five five minutes" of his and his players' lives as an estimated 100,000 fans lined the streets to witness the team parade the Barclays Premier League trophy on an open-top bus tour of the city centre. Read

Anderson and Edwards scoop awards

James Anderson and Charlotte Edwards have been named as the England cricketers of the year for 2011/12. Read

City chairman leaves past behind

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak believes Sunday's remarkable title triumph at the Etihad Stadium has consigned the phrase "typical City" to the dustbin. Read

Glory for Ventoso after Cavendish crash

Francisco Ventoso profited from a crash involving Mark Cavendish in the final corner to take the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia. Read

One remains in hospital after pits blaze

Williams have confirmed just one team member now remains in a hospital in Barcelona following Sunday's garage fire after Pastor Maldonado's triumph in the Spanish Grand Prix. Read

Dalglish reports to Liverpool owners

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has flown to the United States to deliver his end-of-season review and have talks with the club's owners. Read

FA charge Barton

Joey Barton has been charged with two acts of violent conduct by the Football Association following his actions after his sending-off in QPR's defeat by Manchester City. Read

King set for further surgery

Tottenham captain Ledley King will have another operation on his troublesome knee this week and then start negotiations with the club over prolonging his 14-year spell at White Hart Lane. Read

Hamilton still has faith in McLaren team

Lewis Hamilton has no doubt his time will come this year and the wretched run of mistakes from McLaren overshadowing his campaign will disappear, insisting: "We'll get the points we deserve." Read

Villa sack McLeish

Alex McLeish has been sacked by Aston Villa, less than 24 hours after the end of his first season in charge, the club have announced on their website. Read

Hughes to decide Barton punishment

Mark Hughes will decide what club punishment to hand down to captain Joey Barton for his conduct during Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, QPR owner Tony Fernandes has said. Read

Mancini eyes strong Champions League bid

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to build on title glory with a strong challenge in the Champions League next season. Read

Neville handed England coaching role

New England coach Roy Hodgson has sprung a major surprise by appointing Gary Neville to his coaching team. Read

Cisse rubbishes Toon exit rumours

Newcastle hotshot Papiss Cisse has dismissed rumours that he could leave the club this summer. Read

Evra backs Fergie to lift United

Patrice Evra has complete faith in Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's ability to bring in the right players to bolster the Red Devils squad this summer. Read

Howley names four uncapped players

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley has named four uncapped players in a 38-man training squad to prepare for next month's clash against the Barbarians and three-Test Australia tour. Read

Solbakken appointment not brave - Morgan

Wolves owner Steve Morgan believes new manager Stale Solbakken has the pedigree to bring success to the Midlands club, and insists the Norwegian's appointment is astute rather than brave. Read

Olsson calls it a day

Former Olympic triple jump champion Christian Olsson has announced his retirement following a long battle with injuries. Read