F1: Button ready to race hard

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (Belgium): Drivers world championship leader Briton Jenson Button will race with more aggression in a bid to secure victory in this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and tighten his grip in the title race.

After four races without a win, the 29-year-old Englishman knows the time has come for him to wring all he can from himself and his Brawn GP car in a bid to make sure that he makes the most of his 18-point lead in the championship.

He said: "It is better to be consistent and not crash, but if you are consistent and get two points it is not enough now. So, I am going to go to Spa to be more aggressive, for sure: in every way, not just driving, but with the strategy and with the tyres.

"It is where we have got to be because otherwise it (my lead) is going to be slowly eaten away. It is a very difficult season this year because we have had some really poor weekends and some really strong weekends.
Brawn’s Jenson Button leads the drivers world championship by 18 points and after four races without a win has vowed to be more aggressive in this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Brawn’s Jenson Button leads the drivers world championship by 18 points and after four races without a win has vowed to be more aggressive in this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.


"The race in Valencia was the first time when we have had a strong car that I have not been able to get the most out of it. That was frustrating and I have to turn it around."

Button finished only seventh in last Sunday's European Grand Prix won by his Brawn GP teammate veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.

It was the Latin American's first win in five years and enabled him to leap to second in the title race just 18 points behind his teammate.

Button, winner of six of the opening seven races this year, said: "It is pretty amazing that I am still so far ahead. My best finish has been fifth in the last two.

"Valencia should have been a lot more, but it wasn't. I got two points though and I've got 18 points over Rubens. That is still a good margin but Rubens is very quick at the moment.

"The good thing is that the Red Bulls are still going to be fighting (each other). They are going to be quick for sure over the next few races, especially the next one at Spa, but I don't think the McLarens will be as quick as they have been.

"I think we have sorted out a few of our issues, and we have some updates, so Rubens and myself will be very quick at Spa.

"I just hope I can get a good lap in qualifying, as I have been doing most of the season, because two-and-a-half tenths can be three places on the grid."

While Button looked ahead confidently and Barrichello enjoyed the aftermath of his Valencia win, the Red Bull pairing of Australian Mark Webber and German Sebastian Vettel were licking their wounds, after a pointless weekend, and reviewing their engine strategy for next year.


"The team have to decide in the next few days what to do for engines for 2010," admitted Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko who noted carefully that while his team have suffered four engine failures this season -- including two last weekend for Vettel alone -- their various six rivals running with the Mercedes-Benz engines have had no failures at all.

"I am convinced they have the capacity to supply four teams, not just three," he added, referring to Mercedes-Benz's existing arrangements with McLaren, Brawn and Force India.

After their strong showing again in Spain where defending champion Briton Lewis Hamilton was unlucky not to win, McLaren's team boss Martin Whitmarsh said he is expecting another good performance in Belgium.

McLaren's resurgence, added to Brawn's revival of form and Red Bull's need to bounce back from a hugely-disappointing weekend in Valencia signals that this Sunday's race has all the prospects of being a closely-contested and thrilling event on the calendar's most classic circuit.

Last year's race around the 7.004-km venue, which mixes purpose-laid asphalt racing track with ordinary country roads in the rolling forests of the Ardennes was a memorable encounter overshadowed by thrills and controversy.

Brazilian Felipe Massa of Ferrari was finally handed victory, though without ever leading the race, after Hamilton was disqualified following an exciting victory for McLaren and a spectacular racing duel with Finland's Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari.

Another dose of something similar will be sufficient to make sure that everyone is kept on the edge of their seats again with Ferrari's Raikkonen, a bit of a Spa specialist, capable of upsetting the odds to grab his first win this year. -- AFP

Dollah is frustrated Pahang can't get big names

FRUSTRATED at his lack of influence in signing big names to boost Pahang's chances in the Malaysia Cup which kicks off next month, coach Dollah Salleh is left with no choice but to settle for three recruits -- all from club side, Kuantan Port Shahzan Muda.

Just like other teams preparing for the Malaysian Cup, Pahang approached several elite players from teams not involved in the tournament to feature in their side, however, most snubbed his offer.

A dejected Dollah said a senior player who had earlier agreed to play for Pahang, informed him on Sunday that he had changed his mind.

"I had identified three quality players whom I believed would strengthen the squad to challenge the other teams in Group A, but sadly all rejected the offers," said Dollah in Kuantan on Monday.


"Since I am running out of time as the final list of players has to be submitted by Thursday (tomorrow), I decided to sign Abdul Rahman Kadir from Shahzan and two other senior players also from Shahzan."

Dollah, a Malaysia Cup winner with Pahang in 1992, said many players rejected his offers as they believed Pahang would not progress far in the Malaysia Cup and that the team lack the fighting spirit and the players to become champions.

"Some players also cited Pahang's financial woes as another reason but when I gave them my assurance that their welfare would be well taken care of. they were still not keen to sign a deal," he added.

"After Pahang's dismal performance in the Super League and their subsequent relegation, many experienced players felt that the team will not be able to perform and that it was not worth to join them."

On the two Shahzan Muda players who would feature for Pahang, Dollah said he has proposed their names to Pahang Football Association president, Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah and is waiting for a decision.

The battle for the two spots in the squad will involve seasoned campaigners Azizul Kamaluddin, Jalaluddin Jaafar and Shahril Faizal Sharifuddin.

Arsenal warned not to get complacent

LONDON: Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars not to let complacency hand Celtic a European lifeline in today's Champions League play-off second leg.

Wenger's side have one foot in the lucrative Champions League group stages after cruising to a 2-0 victory over Celtic at Parkhead last week.

The Gunners' impressive display in Scotland means they don't need to win the return to go through. A draw or even a one-goal defeat would be enough to secure their place in Europe's elite club competition.

But while Wenger is happy to be in such a strong position, he knows Celtic won't go down without a fight and he is keen to ensure his players don't underestimate the Glasgow club.


"The tie is not safe, we know that," he said. "We experienced a very physical game over there.

"We know the job has to be finished, but we are still in a strong position.

"The result will be determined by the way we play the second leg."

Wenger could be without captain Cesc Fabregas after the Spain midfielder suffered a hamstring injury against Portsmouth on Saturday but, although that would be a significant blow, the Arsenal manager can take heart from the way his side dominated the first leg.

While Arsenal's goals -- a deflection off William Gallas and a Gary Caldwell own goal -- owed a large debt to good fortune, there was no mistaking the Premier League club's extra class in possession.

With convincing victories against Everton and Portsmouth in the league emphasising Arsenal's quality, it would be a major upset if Celtic overturn the deficit.

Yet Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is well aware that Celtic came from 1-0 down to Dinamo Moscow in the last round to claim a surprise 2-0 victory in the second leg.

"Celtic are still a good team and against Moscow in the third qualifying round they lost at home 1-0, but then won 2-0 away," Vermaelen said.

Aston Villa Wins 3-1 at Liverpool for First Premier League Win

Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Aston Villa won 3-1 at Liverpool in English soccer’s Premier League to register its first victory at Anfield since 2001.

Villa went ahead through a Lucas own goal after 34 minutes, doubled the advantage seconds before halftime with a header from Curtis Davies and added a penalty kick from Ashley Young with 15 minutes remaining. Fernando Torres scored for the home team after 72 minutes.

The victory gives Villa three points after two games, leaving it 12th in the 20-team standings. Liverpool is two places higher, with the same number of points from three games after two defeats in nine days.

bolt

BERLIN (AP)—Usain Bolt was honored by the city of Berlin by receiving an original segment of the Berlin Wall—nearly three tons of it.

The Jamaican sprinter, who broke world records in winning gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters, was presented with the piece of wall at a small ceremony Sunday, the final day of the world championships.

The 12-foot high section will be delivered to Bolt’s training camp in Jamaica.

The piece of the wall, which divided communist East Berlin from West Berlin between 1961 and 1989, is decorated with a life-size painting of Bolt running on the blue track of the Olympic stadium and the words “NEW WR”—new world record. Bolt set a world record in the 100 at 9.58 seconds and 19.19 in the 200.

“I will never forget Berlin,” Bolt said at the ceremony. “Ich bin ein Berlino.”

The bear mascot of the championships is called Berlino, while the phrase “ich bin ein Berliner” was used by former President John F. Kennedy during a visit to West Berlin.

Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit said Bolt had shown that “one can tear down walls that had been considered as insurmountable.”

The Berlin Wall came down in 1989, as communism was collapsing in Eastern Europe.

Football: No title excuses, Torres warns after signing new deal

LIVERPOOL, England: Fernando Torres signed a new contract with Liverpool on Friday and then told his team-mates they have a golden opportunity to end the club’s 19-year wait to win the English title this season.


Spain striker Torres agreed an improved deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2013 with the option of a further year’s extension and he insists there are no excuses for not winning the title.

“Fernando Torres has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract at Anfield,” a statement on Liverpool’s website confirmed.

“The 25-year old striker agreed the terms of the deal back in May and has now completed the formalities of signing the new contract.” Rafa Benitez’s runners-up finished just four points behind Manchester United in the Premier League last season and Torres is confident Liverpool can hold their own against the top four rivals.

He believes landing wins rather than draws in some of the other tricky fixtures, like Sunday’s Premier League opener at Tottenham, will be enough to overhaul United.

“We have no problem beating Manchester United or Chelsea but it is games like Sunday’s at Tottenham where we need to show our real title intentions,” Torres told The Sun.

“Tottenham is not an easy place to go but these are games we must be winning if this is to finally be our year.

“I am not thinking can we win the title, I am thinking we have to win the title.” After several seasons on the fringes of the title race, Torres believes the experience of going so close last term will stand them in good stead this year.

“We came so close last season but for many of the players it was their first time experiencing the pressure of a Premier League title race,” Torres said.

“We have experience and if we don’t bring the title back to Anfield I won’t be offering up any excuses at the end of the season.

“We don’t need to improve a lot on last season to win the title. There is only a slight improvement needed to give the fans and players the title they have wanted for so many years now.

“This is the best Liverpool team there has been in years, that is what many of the experienced players are saying.

EPL 2009-10 Season: Benitez to hold talks with Mascherano

LONDON: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he needs to hold talks with Javier Mascherano to resolve the Argentina midfielder's future at Anfield.

Mascherano was keen on joining Barcelona in the close-season after the European champions approached Livepool over a deal for the Argentina captain.

Benitez hinted that Barca forward Lionel Messi, a compatriot of Mascherano's, had been trying to persuade his international teammate to make the switch to the Nou Camp.

But the Liverpool boss refused to agree to the transfer because he was already resigned to losing Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Liverpool want to offer Mascherano a contract extension.

There is now speculation that Liverpool want to offer the 25-year-old a contract extension in order to prolong his stay at Anfield and Benitez told Sky Sports News: "We were talking with Mascherano before. He knows we have to have a meeting and talk about his future.

"There is a possibility that we will be friends, and will talk about things in private."

Meanwhile, Benitez has hinted that he could enter the transfer market before the window closes on Aug 31.

With Danish defender Daniel Agger out for several weeks and centrebacks Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel injured in Sunday's defeat at Tottenham, Benitez is looking for defensive cover, with Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta reportedly top of his list.

"I try to see how the market is, and what players are available, just in case," he said.

"You never know if you get injuries or if you have to bring someone in. It also depends on the position (of players) too.

"We are trying to keep working with the scouting department and will see what happens".

The Reds boss may have to sell before he can buy however after reports that Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are refusing to release any more transfer funds. -- AFP

Very easy for Kaka as Real parade new Galacticos

MADRID: Real Madrid's Brazilian signing Kaka said he finds it "very easy" playing alongside the other new world stars at the club.

"It's very easy to play in a team with people of such quality around," he said following his Spanish debut with the side, a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

He had special praise for another of Real's "new Galaticos", Spain international Xabi Alonso, signed from Liverpool this month.

"Xabi Alonso has brought us a lot of security and fluidity. Now the most important thing is to look for balance and we are getting that," the Spanish sporting press quoted him as saying.

"We understand each other and I believe we can do great things together. I have noticed that the team gain possession with Xabi Alonso and that is very important," said the midfielder, signed from AC Milan for E65 million (RM325 million) in June.

Another big new signing, Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile said he thinks the team, who went on a pre-season tour of the US, is close to reaching the level that fans are expecting of it.

"We are continuing to work hard to reach the form that we want, but I know that it will not be very difficult to reach this level in a short space of time," the Portuguese striker said.

Real face Borussia Dortmund in a friendly in Germany today, before the start of the Spanish league season at the end of the month.

Real president Florentino Perez has splashed out over E250 million on the likes of Kaka, Alonso, Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema since he returned to the club in June in a bid to make the nine-time European champions a formidable force again.

Perez led Real from 2000 to 2006, when they earned the nickname 'Los Galacticos', with such stars as Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham. But while the club enjoyed the success of two domestic league titles and one Champions League, between 2003 and 2006 they did not win a single major trophy, and fears have been expressed that their glamorous new stars may also fail to deliver this season. -- AFP

EPL 2009-10 Season: Mixed fortunes for big guns

LONDON: English football's superpowers had mixed fortunes on the opening weekend of the Premier League season as Arsenal enjoyed six of the best, while Manchester United and Chelsea ground out hard-fought victories and Liverpool spluttered.

United claimed a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Birmingham at Old Trafford on Sunday, then Tottenham stunned Liverpool with a 2-1 triumph at White Hart Lane.

Just 24 hours earlier new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti savoured a 2-1 victory over Hull in his first match and Arsene Wenger was left purring by Arsenal's stunning 6-1 success at Everton.

United made a winning start to their bid for a record fourth successive title thanks to Wayne Rooney's goal and Sir Alex Ferguson insists it was only the start of great things to come now for the England forward.

"It gets him on the road to what we hope will be a very significant total for us this season," Ferguson said.

"If you have two or three strikers who can get you 20 it stands you in good stead. Wayne Rooney is well capable of that.

"I know some of our supporters are still worried that I have not bought a megastar to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. But I am more than happy with our squad and although we have lost a major player, I believe we are on the threshold of a very exciting era for Manchester United."

Liverpool, regarded by many as United's biggest title rivals, fared less well as Rafael Benitez's team were beaten by Sebastien Bassong's second half header.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto had put Tottenham ahead before Steven Gerrard equalised from the penalty spot.

But Benitez fumed over referee Phil Dowd's decision not to award two late penalties to his side.

"Everybody could see there was a penalty against Andrey Voronin. It was so clear, it is unbelievable," he said. "With this referee, I knew this (another penalty) was impossible."

At Goodison Park, Wenger's young Arsenal team issued a defiant response to the critics who have dismissed them as title also-rans by dismantling an Everton side who finished fifth last season.

A Cesc Fabregas double and goals from Denilson, William Gallas, debutant defender Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo were just reward for a scintillating display from the Gunners.

"Before the game we were seemingly being ruled out by everybody, we were told we do not have the squad. Well, we wanted to show that we do have the squad," Wenger said.

Chelsea needed a stoppage time winner from Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba to end Hull's stubborn resistance at Stamford Bridge.

Stephen Hunt, making his Hull debut, had given the Tigers a shock lead before Drogba equalised with a superb free-kick and then chipped in the winner.

Mega-rich Manchester City got a first repayment on Mark Hughes's STG93 million (RM538 million) close-season spending spree.

Hughes, backed by City's Abu Dhabi-based owners, has completely revamped his team and was relieved to see Emmanuel Adebayor, a STG25 million signing from Arsenal, open the scoring at Blackburn before Stephen Ireland's goal clinched a 2-0 win.

"A lot of people were looking at us to see how it was going to go. It was a positive afternoon from that point of view," Hughes said.

Elsewhere, Sunderland won 1-0 at Bolton, Stoke defeated Burnley 2-0, Fulham won 1-0 at Fulham, Wigan shocked Aston Villa 2-0 and West Ham won 2-0 at Wolverhampton. -- AFP

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Ancelotti has work to do at Chelsea

LONDON: Carlo Ancelotti admits his new-look Chelsea side remain a work in progress after they spluttered to a 2-1 victory over Hull City on the Premier League's opening day.

Ancelotti marked his first league game since taking charge with three points thanks to a stoppage time winner from Didier Drogba after the Ivorian had earlier cancelled out Stephen Hunt's 27th minute opening goal at Stamford Bridge.

But the Italian acknowledged Chelsea's performance was less than convincing, with the reshaped midfield diamond failing to deliver the creative sparkle needed to break down Hull's defences.

Although Ancelotti was quick to excuse his players their teething troubles against Hull, he warned things must quickly improve if they are to avoid the possibility of losing early ground in the title race.

Frank Lampard looked below his best against Hull City.

Ancelotti said: "I don't know how long it will take for the players to get used to the system. I don't know the precise time, hopefully soon.

"But we like to think we will still have to improve because there is no such thing as the perfect season.

"For sure we have to improve because we didn't play well at times in this match. We made some mistakes but this is normal. But after one month we have to improve our play."

Chelsea's play at times looked sluggish but Ancelotti refused to blame the demands of the midweek international programme for the performance.

Some of his key players -- notably Frank Lampard -- looked below their best, but the manager claimed his side's problems were caused by Hull's efforts in closing down and not by the round of national call-ups three days before the season kicked off.

Lampard, along with skipper John Terry, had played the full 90 minutes of England's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, while leftback Ashley Cole was replaced just six minutes from time.

And Ancelotti said: "I didn't speak with Fabio Capello about the players before the England game. I want to help his work, give him players in good condition.

"It's not a problem because Ashley, John and Frank have come back without injuries. A lot of players have played for their countries. The most important factor against Hull was the lack of space.

"Frank was playing in a difficult position because when the opposition plays a solid defensive line it's more difficult for him to play."

Drogba's contribution proved the difference between the two teams and prevented Hull repeating their success of last February when they claimed a point a Stamford Bridge. --

Bolt vs Gay duel headlines Berlin meet

THE mouth-watering sprint duel between Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay will headline the World Athletics Championships here, offering up what should be one of the most eagerly awaited events ever.

Bolt took the Beijing Olympics by storm last summer, the towering, laidback Jamaican winning the double gold sprint and also claiming gold as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team, all won — amazingly — in world record times.

He has continued his impressive form into this season, but the year’s best marks in both the 100 and 200m races (9.77 and 19.58 respectively) have been set by arch-rival Gay, the American who endured a miserable Olympics after rushing back from a debilitating hamstring injury.

Gay is also the runner with the world credentials, having emulated Bolt’s triple gold feat at the last world championships in Osaka two years ago.


The duo have, to the delight of their agents ahead of a showcase competition, avoided each other so far this season, but the Jamaican who claims to have been performing only at 85 per cent of his capability has displayed levels of confidence expected of sprinters.

“I would love to do better than the Olympics, just going out there and winning is enough for me,” said the 22-year-old, who is looking to break his own 100m world record of 9.69 when he takes to the track today.

“Expectations are going to be higher here than Beijing, but I am ready to go and do my best. I know what I did there and I know the high responsibility which comes with it, I am working hard to do better than last year.

“I have no problems, I am in good shape and itching to race now.”

At the Osaka worlds in 2007, Gay spearheaded the US team to the top of the overall table, matching a meet record with 14 titles.

Kenya came second with five, thanks to their incomparable distance runners, with Russia in third. — AFP

Football: Goal-shy strikers a worry for Rajagobal

POOR finishing continues to be the Achilles' heel of the national Under-23 squad after firing blanks against Kenya in Shah Alam on Wednesday.

The strikers have become a worry for national coach K. Rajagobal, having failed to find the back of the net in their last four matches against international opposition.

Excluding the 3-1 win over Kedah last Saturday, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha was the last Under-23 striker to score in the 4-0 win over Zimbabwe's Monomotapa United on July 12.

The second win over the Zimbabweans two days later came courtesy of senior defender V. Thirumurugan's solitary strike while Amri Yahyah, a senior squad attacker, bagged both goals against English Premier League champions Manchester United in a 3-2 defeat on July 18.


Malaysia failed to score in the second United match and after another listless performance by strikers Norshahrul and Zaquan Adha Radzak against Kenya, national coach K. Rajagobal is looking for an improvement against China tomorrow.

"Going department by department, there are so many areas where a lot of things need to be done.

"The finishing was not sharp and we lacked the killer instinct. We had the opportunity to score in the second half but didn't take our chances and Norshahrul also had a good chance in the first half but he hesitated," said Rajagobal after the 0-0 draw at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Rajagobal however was full of praise for the back-four of Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak, Muslim Ahmad, Azmi Muslim and Mahali Jasuli.

"I was expecting a tough match and Kenya were strong and physical. The match started at a high pace and intensity but we moved the ball around comfortably and I have to give credit to my players, especially the defence.

"For a young team we were well organised, it was a spirited display and we showed strong character. I'm happy with the draw," said Rajagobal, who is using the series of matches to prepare the side for the Laos Sea Games in December.

The coach ruled out any significant addition to his squad for the China friendly in Shah Alam tomorrow even after Norshahrul hobbled off with a suspected ankle injury.

"We only have a few days to prepare for China and most of the (state and club) teams have only just resumed training so there is no point in calling up anyone."

Farderin Kadir, Ahmad Shakir Ali and Ahmad Fakri Saarani are the other strikers in the squad.

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Home / Transfer News & Transfer Rumours
2008/2009 Transfers | 2009/2010 Transfers
AC Milan is a ‘special place’ for Huntelaar

August 7, 2009

New AC Milan signing Klaas Jan Huntelaar has admitted that his new club is a ‘special place’ for the Dutch. Huntelaar completed a £12.5million move from Real Madrid to AC Milan on Thursday. “Milan is a very special place for the Dutch. Van Basten... Read more »

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Arsenal interest in Hangeland a source of worry for Hodgson

August 7, 2009

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has admitted he is concerned by rivals Arsenal’s interest in Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed yesterday that Hangeland was one of the players that he is interested in. Hodgson said on... Read more »

Filed Under English Premier League, General Soccer News, Transfer News & Transfer Rumours | Leave a Comment
Twente confirms Arna departure

August 6, 2009

Dutch side FC Twente have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Inter Milan about striker Marko Arnautovic. The 20-year-old will join Inter Milan on loan but the Nerazurri will have the option to buy him. “FC Twente and Inter Milan have agreed... Read more »

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Totti admits Aquilani will be missed

August 6, 2009

Roma ace Francesco Totti has admitted that midfielder Alberto Aquilani will be missed at the club. Aquilani completed his move from Roma to Premier League giants Liverpool in a £18million deal earlier this week. “It is a shame to lose Alberto. Along... Read more »

Filed Under English Premier League, General Soccer News, Serie A, Transfer News & Transfer Rumours | Leave a Comment
Robben rules out Spurs move

August 5, 2009

Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben has ruled out a move to Premier League side Tottenham. The Dutchman insists he will only leave the Santiago Bernabeu to join a club playing in the Champions League. “With all the respect in the world, I have decided... Read more »

Filed Under English Premier League, General Soccer News, La Liga, Transfer News & Transfer Rumours | Leave a Comment
Sneijder could stay at Real

August 4, 2009

Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has admitted to Spanish radio that Wesley Sneijder is part of Manuel Pellegrini’s plans at the club. The Dutchman has long been linked with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan. Sneijder has also been the subject... Read more »

Filed Under English Premier League, General Soccer News, La Liga, Serie A, Transfer News & Transfer Rumours | 2 Comments
Phillips happy at Birmingham

August 4, 2009

Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips insists he is determined to stay and fight for his place at the club. Phillips has been linked with a move to Leicester City, but the veteran striker wants to stay at St. Andrews. “It’s news to me these stories,... Read more »

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Swedish youngster handed United trial

August 3, 2009

Swedish starlet Linus Sjoberg has been handed a trial at Manchester United. The 15-year-old midfielder will join United on a trial later this summer after being spotted by United’s scouts in Scandinavia. “You have to be cautious dealing with the... Read more »

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What is the best bit of business done so far?

August 3, 2009

As we are well into the summer transfer window I thought we should look at what the best bit of business has been so far. The first big move of the summer was the signing of former world player of the year Kaka from AC Milan by Real Madrid. The second... Read more »

Filed Under Editorial, Transfer News & Transfer Rumours | 2 Comments
Birmingham hoping for Traore deal

August 2, 2009

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has admitted that he is hoping to be signing Armand Traore from Arsenal on a loan deal. But McLeish insists he has alternative targets if the Gunners does not want to let the full-back go. “I don’t want to upset... Read more »

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Roma denies Roma contact

August 2, 2009

Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma has denied that there has been contact with Italian side Roma over a move. Roma are searching for an understudy to Alexander Doni. “At the moment, I haven’t had any contact from Roma,” he told Romagiallorossa.com. “My... Read more »

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Daprela happy with West Ham move

August 1, 2009

Swiss defender Fabio Daprela has admitted that he is delighted to be joining Premier League side West Ham. The 18-year-old has completed his move from Grasshopper Club Zurich to West Ham for an undisclosed fee. Daprela has signed a five-year contract... Read more »

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Elano leaving the Premier League is a shame

July 31, 2009

One of the biggest disappointments for me over recent years in the English Premier League is that we never got to see enough of the Brazilian midfielder Elano. Yesterday Galatasaray completed the signing of Elano from Manchester City to bring an end to... Read more »

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Valencia will not sell Silva

July 31, 2009

Valencia president Manuel Llorente insists the club will not sell David Silva this summer. The Spain international has been linked with a summer move to the Premier League. Liverpool and Manchester United are reported to be among the clubs interested... Read more »

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Mido returns to Egypt

July 31, 2009

Middlesbrough forward Mido has joined Egyptian giants Zamalek on a season-long loan deal. The 26-year-old could make the move permanent at the end of his loan period. Boro will get an initial £4million and could pocket a further £1million if the move... Read more »

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Finnan joins Portsmouth

July 31, 2009

Portsmouth have completed the signing of the Republic of Ireland international Steve Finnan. The former Fulham and Liverpool star has signed a one-year deal with the Premier League side. Finnan failed to settle at Espanyol last season and his contract... Read more »

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Time for Rafa to release Alonso

July 30, 2009

It’s the longest running transfer saga of the summer and it finally looks as though Xabi Alonso will leave Liverpool. The Spain midfielder has been the subject of interest from Spanish football side Real Madrid for the last few months and despite... Read more »

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Bolton boss will not make new Veloso bid

July 30, 2009

Bolton boss Gary Megson insists the club will not make a new bid to sign Portugal international Miguel Veloso from Sporting Lisbon. The Trotters tried to sign Veloso in the January transfer window and has been linked with a new move for the midfielder. Reports... Read more »

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Elano joins Galatasaray

July 30, 2009

Brazilian playmaker Elano has completed a move to Turkish club Galatasaray, the club has confirmed. Italian rivals AC Milan and Inter were reported to be interested in Elano, but the Brazilian international has now agreed to join Galatasaray. Sky Sports... Read more »

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Cribari keen on Palermo move

July 30, 2009

Brazilian ace Emilson Cribari’s agten, Davide Torchia, has revealed that his client would be keen on a summer move to Palermo. Lazio are reported to be interested in selling several of their defenders this summer. “It isn’t clear whether Cribari... Read more »

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Niemi confirm Pompey talks

July 29, 2009

Antti Niemi has confirmed he is in talks with Portsmouth about a move to the club. But the 37-year-old has denied that he has agreed a one-year contract with the club. Pompey are keen to bring in Niemi as cover for England international goalkeeper David... Read more »

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Parma confirm Bojinov interest

July 29, 2009

Parma have confirmed they are interested in signing Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov. The Italian side is keen on bringing the Bularian ace to Italy in a loan deal. Reports suggest City will allow Bojinov to leave on loan, following the arrivals... Read more »

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Juan will not join Fiorentina

July 29, 2009

Roma sporting director Daniele Prade has rubbished rumours suggesting defender Juan is set to join rivals Fiorentina. Reports suggest Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino is keen on signing the Brazilian this summer. “I have not had any... Read more »

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Lavezzi to stay at Napoli

July 28, 2009

Argentine star Ezequiel Lavezzi’s agent insists the forward will remain loyal to Napoli. Lavezzi has previously this summer admitted that he would be keen on leaving the club. “Ezequiel Lavezzi has returned to Napoli to prepare with the team in Austria,”... Read more »

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Di Natale pledges future to Udinese

July 28, 2009

Italy international Antonio Di Natale has admitted that he wants to end his career at Udinese. Di Natale has been linked with both Roma, Parma and Napoli in recent months but Udinese have managed to keep him at the club. “When I signed my four-year... Read more »

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70000 Barcelona fans came to greet Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Video)

July 28, 2009

After completing his medical Monday evening, Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally became a Barcelona player. He signed a five-year deal with the club. The same evening, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was formally unveiled as a FC Barcelona player in front of an amazing 70000... Read more »

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Spurs admits ‘serious’ Huntelaar interest

July 27, 2009

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that his interest in signing Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is ‘serious’. Peter Crouch seems to be close to joining Spurs in a £10million, but it is believed Redknapp is still keen on... Read more »

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Olofinjana ponders future

July 27, 2009

Stoke City midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has admitted that he wants his future to be resolved by the end of the week. The 29-year-old has been linked with a £2.5million move to French side Monaco. Olofinjana fell out of favour at Stoke after joining the... Read more »

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Vucinic’s agent denies Arsenal talks

July 27, 2009

Mirko Vucinic’s agent has rejected reports that Premier League side Arsenal have made a €20million bid for the forward. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from Roma, despite extending his contract until 2013 last month. “There has... Read more »

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Barca ready to spend more

July 26, 2009

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely not to be their last signing this summer. The Catalan giants are close to signing the Swedish striker after reaching an agreement with Inter Milan. “I don’t think... Read more »

England start World Cup countdown

AMSTERDAM: Fabio Capello expects England to start their countdown to the World Cup by vindicating his decision to leave Michael Owen out of the squad for today's friendly against the Netherlands.

Wayne Rooney (left) is enjoying the best form of his England career under Fabio Capello.

With the start of the Premier League campaign coming just three days after England's trip to Amsterdam, it would be understandable if Capello's players weren't fully focused on their international commitments.

But the England coach has just 10 months to prepare for next year's World Cup in South Africa and every minute with his squad is vital.

After winning all seven of their World Cup qualifiers, England can clinch their place at the finals with a victory over Croatia at Wembley on Sept 9, so the Netherlands match is anything but a meaningless friendly to Capello.

The Italian will use the clash at Ajax's Amsterdam Arena to test his belief that Emile Heskey is the perfect partner for Wayne Rooney, while continuing the development of Steven Gerrard's role on the left wing.

Capello will also run the rule over his reserve goalkeepers in the absence of injured first choice David James.

Frank Lampard, a key member of Capello's midfield, has no doubt that the fixture can play a significant part in England's preparations for the final stages of their qualifying campaign and also the World Cup itself.

"It's important for us and our manager to see where the players are," Lampard said. "You never know who's fit, so it's nice to have a gathering with the big games coming next month.

"It would be great to have a good performance and to win as well, but the performance is what you want to take into the qualifiers."

Capello has been able to use England's friendly matches to decide that the best way to allow Manchester United forward Rooney to thrive is to pair him with a more imposing targetman such as Aston Villa's Heskey.

Rooney's form over the last year suggests Capello is right and the Italian shows no signs of changing his mind about casting Owen into international exile.

Owen's poor finishing in United's recent friendly against Valencia did little to change Capello's feeling that the former Liverpool player's star is waning.

Yet Jermain Defoe and Carlton Cole, the forwards picked ahead of Owen, have done little in an England shirt to suggest they could change the course of a World Cup match.

And even Rooney admits his new Manchester United teammate would be a useful player to have around.

"I do see Michael getting back into the England side," Rooney said.

"Obviously it is the manager's decision but he has looked really sharp in pre-season and I am sure if he maintains that form, it won't be long before he is back in the squad." -- AFP

BWF World Championships: Chong Wei, Mew Choo in cruise control

LEE Chong Wei began his bid for the World Championships title in a relaxed manner by cruising into the second round at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday.

Wong Mew Choo beat American Shannon Pohl 21-4, 21-6 to advance to the second round. — AFPpic

Chong Wei, the top seed, was not in top gear as he took his time to adjust to the conditions at the venue before securing a 21-14, 21-10 victory over Germany's Dieter Domke in 25 minutes.

Although Chong Wei managed to seize control of the match, he made a number of unforced errors that he must avoid repeating in the later part of the championships.

It will be another easy encounter for Chong Wei tomorrow where he will play Nigeria's Ola Fagbemi in the second round.

Chong Wei said he, incidentally, was playing in the same court where he lost his first round match to Chen Long of China in the India Open in April. But that didn't affect his performance yesterday.

"I made several unforced errors but this being my first match here, those things are expected. Otherwise, everything is under control," said Chong Wei.

"I'm also slowly adapting to the draught here and the court conditions. As far as the security is concerned, we are being looked after well.

"This is the same court where I lost in the first round of the India Open but that wasn't playing on my mind. I am looking forward to getting better by each match."

Women's singles Wong Mew Choo began her campaign convincingly by thrashing Shannon Pohl of the United States 21-4, 21-6 in 19 minutes.

She is expected to face a tougher battle against Japan's Ai Goto, who was untested in her 21-9, 21-13 win over Chloe Magee of Scotland, in the second round tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Netherland's Dicky Palyama sent a warning to the top shuttlers after defeating China's Bao Chunlai 21-18, 21-14 in 36 minutes to advance to the second round.

"There was no pressure on me and I played freely," said Palyama, an Indonesian who migrated to Netherlands as junior to seek a better fortune, after his victory.

"I knew Bao is a tough opponent, but my coach told me to keep cool. I knew I had a chance to win the match when I was leading in the second game."

Two-time World Champion Lin Dan of China didn't suffer first round jitters as he secured a commanding 21-9, 21-11 win over Misha Zilberman of Israel in his opening match.

Lin Dan will play Thailand's Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk, who thrashed Malaysian Lee Tsuen Seng 21-7, 21-13 in 25 minutes, in the second round on Wednesday.

"I don't consider myself as a favourite. I think Peter Gade (Christensen) and Chong Wei are favourites," said Lin Dan.

"The shuttle was coming a bit slow, but these things happen and one's got to adapt to the conditions. I've had a decent start now and I'm not thinking beyond my next match."

Christensen secured a 21-11, 21-16 win over Valeriy Atrashchenkov of Ukraine and will play Shoji Sato of Japan in the second round.

In the mixed doubles, Razif Latif-Woon Khe Wei suffered an embarrassing 21-17, 9-21, 21-17 defeat in 29 minutes to Ukraine's Valeriy Atrashchenkov-Elen Prus in the opening round.

Back-up pair Lim Yin Loo-Marylen Pang's campaign also ended in the first round after crashing 21-8, 21-16 to Shizuka Matsuo-Mami Naito of Japan.

Spot-on Chelsea beat United in feisty Wembley clash

2009/08/10

LONDON: Chelsea and Manchester United launched the English season in explosive fashion as the Blues' 4-1 penalty shoot-out win in yesterday's Community Shield was marred by an ugly clash between Michael Ballack and Patrice Evra.

With United keen to prove a point to the critics questioning their ability to cope without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and Chelsea trying to impress new boss Carlo Ancelotti, there was a definite edge to a match that finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

The bubbling tension boiled over in the second half when United defender Evra fell to the Wembley turf in pain after a cynical body-check from Chelsea substitute Ballack.

Referee Chris Foy waved play on but United's players wanted Chelsea to kick the ball out so Evra could get treatment.

Chelsea refused and Frank Lampard took advantage to score, much to the frustration of Evra who became involved in a row with Ashley Cole and then scythed down Ballack to earn a booking.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team had taken an early lead when Nani drove home from the edge of the area. Ricardo Carvalho equalised after half-time before Lampard's controversial strike, but Wayne Rooney levelled for United in stoppage time.

After a disappointing start to his career at Old Trafford, Nani has the chance to make amends this year. Ronaldo's departure has opened up a berth for the Portuguese winger on the left and he gave a glimpse of his potential with a fine strike to put United ahead in the 10th minute.

Collecting Darren Fletcher's long pass, Nani shifted away from Bransilav Ivanovic and Michael Essien before firing in a powerful drive that flashed past unsighted keeper Petr Cech into the far corner.

If Cech could have done better with that one, there was no questioning his agility when he plunged to his left to claw away Park Ji-Sung's shot and then kept out Dimitar Berbatov's flicked effort.

Just as he did at Milan, Ancelotti used a midfield diamond formation that saw Frank Lampard deployed just behind Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, while John Obi Mikel shielded the back four.

But the system may need some work judging by the way United, and Nani in particular, were able to find holes in Chelsea's defence in the first half.

United goalkeeper Ben Foster, selected ahead of Tomasz Kuszczak as the stand-in for the injured Edwin van der Sar, had a chance to underline his England credentials, but he looked nervous at times and twice dallied dangerously over back-passes when a quick clearance was needed.

Fletcher's curling effort forced a brilliant tip-over from Cech before half-time, but it took Chelsea just seven minutes of the second half to equalise.

When Florent Malouda lobbed a cross towards Drogba, the Ivory Coast striker collided with Foster and accidently floored the United keeper, giving Carvalho time and space to direct a diving header into the empty net.

Lampard's controversial strike arrived in the 70th minute. Ballack clearly blocked off Evra but Foy didn't give the foul and Chelsea broke through Drogba, whose pass allowed Lampard to drive home via a post.

United protested furiously that play should have been stopped as Evra had a head injury and the French star became involved in an argument with Blues defender Ashley Cole.

Evra was clearly incensed and made a crude attempt to seek revenge on Ballack with a lunging tackle that earned a booking.

That wasn't the end of the drama. With just a minute of stoppage time to go, Rooney ran onto a Ryan Giggs pass, held off Jose Bosingwa and planted a low shot past Cech to send the match to penalties.

Cech saved from Giggs in the shoot-out and then easily kept out Evra's weak effort before Salomon Kalou slammed home the winner. -- AFP

Back-up duo Sabrina, Khe Wei hope to be nation’s No. 1 one day

KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s doubles shuttlerSabrina Chong Sook Chin will be renewing her partnership with Woon Khe Wei at the World Championships, which will begin in Hyderabad, India, on Monday.

And the back-up shuttlers hope to take over as the nation’s No. 1 pair when current world No. 1 Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty retire one day.

Sabrina-Khe Wei will leave for Hyderabad today to compete intheir first world meet.

Sabrina and Khe Wei will also feature in the mixed doubles event with Ong Jien Guo and Mohd Razif Abdul Latif respectively.

The 22-year-old Sabrina admitted that it would be a tall order for them to clear the opening round, insisting they were instead looking beyond the world meet.

They have been drawn to play South Korea’s top pair and third seeds Lee Kyung-won-Lee Hyo-jung in the second round, which will be an opening round match for both pairs.

“We know our opponents will be far too strong for us. But we have trained hard and we will give our best. We are not scared of them,” said Sabrina. She hoped that the experience of playing in their first world meet would give them the confidence to strengthen their partnership.

“I used to partner Khe Wei a long time ago. But we were split up. Then, we came together because I had to replace the injured Goh Liu Ying in the Uber Cup Finals (in Jakarta last year),” said Sabrina.

“We parted ways again this year. Later, we found out that we had qualified for the world meet and our coach decided to keep us together. We play well as a pair. We hope to be one of the top women’s pairs in the country. For now, Eei Hui-Pei Tty are the best and we want to narrow that gap.”

The other women’s doubles pairs bound for the world meet are Lim Yin Loo-Marylen Ng Poau Leng and Liu Ying-Ng Hui Lin.

Khe Wei, who twisted her ankle prior to the Thailand Open last month, said it was getting better.

“There is a slight pain but I am managing well. This is my first world meet and I do not want to miss it. I am still young and I should not have any problems concentrating on both the women’s and mixed doubles events,” she said.

Malaysia beaten hands down by Hong Kong

KUALA LUMPUR: Sixth seeds Hong Kong scored an upset 3-0 win over third seeds Malaysia in the final Group C match of the team event in the World Junior squash championships in Chennai yesterday.

Hong Kong, who top the group with three straight wins, and will face Group A runners-up New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Malaysia, who finished as runners-up, face an uphill task against Group A champions and defending champions Egypt in the last eight.

Against Hong Kong, Tan Yan Xin failed to collect the first point after losing 7-11, 11-6, 12-10, 5-11, 6-11 to Tsz Wing Tong.

Tsz Ling Liu delivered the winning point for Hong Kong with an 11-9, 11-7, 11-7 win over Low Wee Nee.

Ka Man Lee made it 3-0 with a 15-13, 11-6, 11-9 win over Nessrine Ariffin.

In the last championships in Hong Kong two years ago, Malaysia lost to Egypt in the final.

Kara Goucher wins in Chicago, big goals await in Berlin

More than 14,400 runners rocked while Kara Goucher rolled at the inaugural Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon on Sunday.

Goucher, who is running 120 miles per week in preparation for the Aug. 23 IAAF World Championship marathon in Berlin, won the rac outright in 1 hour, 8 minutes, 5 seconds.

Goucher passed the last of the male challengers with more than two miles to go and ran alone to the finish. The race didn't offer prize money and Goucher, who was the focus of "Kara Cam" throughout the race, was the lone headliner.

"It was fantastic," Goucher said. "(Race organizers) kept me very busy but the people here were so friendly."

Goucher threw out the first pitch at a White Sox game on Saturday and used the half marathon as a training exercise. She gave chase to Deena Kastor's U.S. record of 1:07:34, but really wasn't focused on her finishing time.

"I thought I could run 5:12 (per mile) for the first half and 5:08 for the second half and then with a big kick maybe I could get (the record)," she said.

Goucher, and her husband, Adam, were booked to fly out of Chicago Sunday evening for Europe. They will join other Nike athletes at training camp in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

How focused is Goucher's training? When her flight to Chicago was delayed by three hours last Thursday, she went to the Nike store located inside the Portland airport, picked up shoes and running clothes, and did a 40-minute run along Airport Way so that she didn't waste the extra time in the terminal.

In Chicago, where bands played at different points on the course, Goucher intended to use the race as a rehearsal for Berlin. But really, it was a vastly different sort of event.

"It's really nothing like Berlin," Goucher said. "People were talking to me until the fun went off."

But it became a chance to have fun and be a role model.

"There were a lot of young girls in the race, so it was nice to make a girl-power statement," Goucher said. "And all of the guys were very gracious."

Her next race will be much more serious, and Goucher believes she can be a factor in the outcome.

"I believe I wouldn't be running the marathon (in Berlin) if I didn't have a shot," she said. "If I run fully committed, I do have a shot."

Latest Texas Sports

(AP) The Dallas Cowboys have opened training camp with their roster at the maximum 80 players.

Nine rookies signed their contracts Wednesday, just in time for the first workout. However, rookie linebacker Stephen Hodge and defensive tackle Tim Anderson were both put on the physically unable to perform list.

Hodge underwent knee surgery last month. Anderson has a toe problem that sidelined him throughout the offseason.

The Cowboys still have to figure out the status of one more player, third-round pick Robert Brewster. The offensive lineman has a torn pectoral muscle that could keep him out all season.

The players who signed were kicker David Buehler, linebacker Victor Butler, defensive back Michael Hamlin, reality show winner and receiver Jesse Holley, receiver Manny Johnson, quarterback Stephen McGee, defensive back Mike Mickens, tight end John Phillips and linebacker Jason Williams.

CARTER ARRESTED Arrest warrant issued for former Cowboys QB

EDINBURG, Texas (AP) — A new arrest warrant has been issued for Quincy Carter.

That's after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback failed to appear in a Hidalgo County state district court in Edinburg for two hearings on marijuana possession and drunken driving charges.

Carter, 31, was arrested in February in Mission shortly after a deal for him to play for the Rio Grande Valley Dorados of the arenafootball2 league fell apart.

Carter's attorney, Christ Weaver, tells The Monitor of McAllen that Carter may not have known about the court dates because they hadn't spoken in two weeks.

Carter was cut by the Abilene Ruff Riders of the Indoor Football League earlier this month.

BIG 12 Texas, Texas Tech ready to get untied in South

IRVING, Texas (AP) — While Oklahoma got to play in the Big 12 and BCS championship games last year, the Sooners' regular season record was the same as Texas and Texas Tech.

All three were 11-1 overall and 7-1 in the Big 12 South. Each loss was to another team in the trio. The Big 12's fifth tiebreaker — BCS standings — was needed to determine the title game team.

Texas coach Mack Brown, whose team beat the Sooners, says the Longhorns have to forget about tiebreakers. He has reminded his team they wouldn't have come into play if they had won at Tech.

At a Big 12 media day Wednesday, Brown also compared the expectations for this year's team to 2005, when the Longhorns won the national title.

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach says he doesn't expect things to be dramatically different this season despite the loss of quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree.

TEXAS-KINDLE CRASH Texas LB Kindle says crash taught him lesson