Barry Robson: Aberdeen sack manager saying eighth place is ‘unacceptable’

Aberdeen have sacked Barry Robson after just nine months as manager, describing eighth place in the Scottish Premiership as “unacceptable”. Boos rang out around Pittodrie after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Dundee, who remain two points and two places above the Dons. Robson told BBC Scotland “there is no panic from me” after the […]

UK Anti-Doping: 184 reports made by whistleblowers in 2023

More than 180 reports of doping were made to UK Anti-Doping by whistleblowers in 2023 in what it called a “significant jump” from previous years. Ukad’s confidential reporting scheme, called Protect Your Sport, received 184 reports across 25 sports. Of those, 68 concerned national-level athletes. In 2023 Ukad handed out 24 anti-doping sanctions, 46% of […]

2024 Six Nations: Steve Borthwick’s England selection dilemmas

England’s Six Nations campaign begins in the Eternal City on Saturday but head coach Steve Borthwick is facing some difficult selection decisions before his team’s opening game. England have never lost to Italy and are favourites to extend that winning run in Rome. Stalwarts Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola, Ben Youngs and Jonny May have retired […]

India v England: Jack Leach doubtful for second Test in Visakhapatnam

England spinner Jack Leach is a significant doubt for the second Test against India because of a knee injury sustained in the first Test. Leach hurt his left knee fielding in Hyderabad, but was still able to bowl 10 overs in the second innings as England sealed a remarkable 28-run win. He did not bowl in […]

Virat Kohli: India batter pulls out of first two Tests against England

India batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England for personal reasons. The 35-year-old former captain has told India skipper Rohit Sharma and the side’s management that “certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention”. The five-Test series begins in Hyderabad on Thursday. Kohli’s withdrawal comes one day after England […]

India v England: Ben Stokes ‘good to go’ for first Test, says Brendon McCullum

England captain Ben Stokes is “good to go” for the first Test against India in Hyderabad on Thursday, says coach Brendon McCullum. Stokes, 32, had surgery on a long-standing left-knee problem in November. He trained with the squad on their camp in Abu Dhabi last week, but did not bowl and is not expected to […]

England in India: Virat Kohli may be out but hosts still hold all of the cards

For India to lose Virat Kohli for the first two Tests of the series against England is obviously a big blow. It is sad that a player of his stature will not be there and as with Harry Brook, who has also withdrawn for personal reasons, I hope everything is OK. But for England’s hopes in cold isolation, […]

Wednesday’s gossip: Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka, Osimhen, Greenwood, Reyna

Al-Nassr are lining up an audacious bid for Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, and ex-England Under-21 defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 26, as Manchester United prepare to offload some of their high-earning stars. (Mail) Al-Nassr have already had a £20m bid turned down for Tottenham and Brazil right-back Emerson Royal, 25, and view Wan-Bissaka as a viable alternative. (Telegraph – subscription required) Victor Osimhen has hinted […]