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General Sports News

Fergie Sets Sights On History

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 27/05/2009

Manchester United have been made slight favourites in the football betting odds to become the first team in history to successfully defend the Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his current crop of players to join the pantheon of great teams by overcoming Barcelona in Rome.

United are bidding to become the first team to successfully defend Europe's premier club competition since it was re-branded in the early 1990s.

Elsewhere, Sunderland have confirmed that majority shareholder Ellis Short is to assume 100 per cent control of the club.

Speaking after the Black Cats' Premier League survival was confirmed last weekend, chairman Niall Quinn revealed an announcement over the ownership of the club was imminent.

Now Quinn has revealed his delight that the Texas businessman is to take full control of the Wearsiders as part of a new-look board.

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has reportedly been given permission to speak to Sunderland about their managerial vacancy.

Bruce, who only took the reins at the JJB Stadium 18 months ago, is believed to be the number one choice of the Sunderland board to replace Ricky Sbragia.

Football betting indicates that Bruce and former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan are the two early frontrunners.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has apologised to the club's fans following the 'catastrophe' of relegation from the Premier League.

Ashley released his public apology following a day of lengthy talks with manager Alan Shearer and managing director Derek Llambias on Tuesday.

In his statement, Ashley conceded that mistakes had been made during his 18-month reign on Tyneside which ended in Sunday's departure from the top-flight.

Everton boss David Moyes has been named as the League Managers' Association manager of the year for the third time.

The 46-year-old Scot was handed the accolade after guiding the Toffees to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League and also the FA Cup Final this season.

Captain Andrew Strauss believes England are 'a good outside bet' to win the forthcoming World Twenty20.

Strauss, who was speaking after England wrapped up the one-day series against West Indies by a 2-0 scoreline following a 58-run victory at Edgbaston, believes his side will now be taking momentum in next month's competition on home soil.

Harlequins pair Chris Robshaw and Jordan Turner-Hall are both in line to make their England debuts after being named in the side to face the Barbarians on Saturday.

Premiership player of the season Robshaw and young player of the year Turner-Hall will be joined the side by fellow debutants David Wilson of Newcastle and Bath wing Matt Banahan.

Meanwhile, veteran flanker Lewis Moody returns to the starting line-up following a 15-month ankle injury absence.

Northampton Saints pair of hooker Dylan Hartley and scrum-half Ben Foden will both make their first starts for England.

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