News

Gillett restates Rafa backing

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 23/10/2009
Football betting

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has restated his faith in manager Rafa Benitez, following a run of four successive defeats for the Anfield club.

A 2-1 Champions League reverse at home to Lyon deepened the gloom on Merseyside and sparked talk of a possible change at the helm.

However, Gillett commented: "We have just entered into a long-term agreement with Rafa.

"Our family is extraordinarily pleased with him, we believe he is absolutely as good as there is in the business."

Premier League online betting favourites Chelsea have made a formal request for their FIFA transfer ban to be suspended, pending the outcome of an appeal against the penalty handed down by world football's governing body.

The Blues are facing a two-transfer window ban if the punishment is upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with Chelsea in trouble for luring Gael Kakuta away from French club Lens.

Can Chelsea win back the Premier League title? - Latest Football Betting

Manchester City's Brazilian forward Robinho is set to be sidelined for a couple more weeks after suffering a slight setback in his recovery from injury.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have not made a fresh approach to City for the South American, according to the Spanish club's sporting director.

Txiki Begiristain claims the European champions have not been in touch with City since an summer approach to sign the Brazil star was turned down flat by the Premier League club.

A fresh wave of reports had claimed that Barca were keen to sign the former Real Madrid forward on loan with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Derbyshire have confirmed that Australian batsman Chris Rogers will return to the county as captain for the 2010 season.

The 32-year-old left-hander scored nearly 1,500 first-class runs this summer.

Somerset have allowed former West Indies Test off-spinner Omari Banks to leave the county.

The 27-year-old has spent two seasons at Taunton, but has made little or no impact on the first eleven.

America's Lucas Glover has won the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda by five shots.

The US Open champion won the 36-hole competition with some ease, having shot a second round 66 to finish on 11-under par.

Glover's nearest challenger was US Masters champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina, who also shot a 66 on day two to move up into second place.

Wigan Warriors centre George Carmont has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract at the DW Stadium.

The 31-year-old Samoa international also has an option for a further 12 months, having spent two years with the Warriors since his arrival from the Newcastle Knights in Australia.

In rugby union Harlequins have snapped up England international hooker Matt Cairns from Guinness Premiership rivals Saracens.

The 30-year-old has signed a contract running until the summer of 2012, having been drafted in as a replacement for Gary Botha.

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