Friday's Ashes gossip column

Shane Warne has warned England not to get cocky after detecting an air of "arrogance and lip" in the Ashes phoney war. The Aussie spin legend dismissed the notion Ricky Ponting's men were in crisis after a run of recent defeats.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Warne has been speaking to various newspapers, and believes Graeme Swann is a vital ingredient for England's chances: "I think Swann is going to walk around a bit like [American actor] David Hasselhoff," said Warne. "With the ball, Swann is just the key."
Full story: The Independent

England opener Alastair Cook has been enjoying a spot of golf, but was told by the manager of one course: "The only 100 you'll get in Australia is on this round, mate." Keen on his arrows, he has also brought a "new and improved dartboard" with him on tour. (Metro)

An editorial in one Australian newspaper paints a bleak scene for the hosts. It starts: "Australia is only 20 days away from the first ball of the Ashes series, and never has the old urn looked so unattainable. Whatever form of the game, we are in an awful mess."
Full story: The Herald Sun

Australia coach Tim Nielsen concedes Australia are cracking under pressure and struggling to find a way to win. He said: "For whatever reason we can't get across the line. When we're under pressure - real pressure - we're not doing things well enough."
Full story: The Herald Sun

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Listen to the Ashes live on Test Match Special on BBC 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW and online (UK users only) - series starts 25 November 2010. Archive: Relive past Ashes series

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Late surge leaves Westwood second

HSBC CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE, SHANGHAI
Dates: 4 - 7 November Coverage: Latest scores on BBC Sport website; reports on BBC Radio 5 live; follow BBC Sport golf on Twitter; also live on Sky Sports 3

Westwood took over the world number one spot after Tiger Woods's long reign

First round leaderboard: -9 F Molinari (Ita) -8 L Westwood (Eng) -7 J Van Zyl (RSA), R Ramsey (Sco), E Els (RSA) -6 L Donald (Eng) -5 R Fisher (Eng)
Selected others:-4 P Harrington (Ire), T Woods (US) -3 M Kaymer (Ger), P Mickelson (US) -2 R McIlroy (NI) level P Casey (Eng) +1Graeme McDowell (NI)

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New world number one Lee Westwood finished his second round strongly at the HSBC Champions challenge to sit one shot behind leader Francesco Molinari.

England's Westwood fell three shots behind the Italian at one point on the back nine, but he hit back to post a round of 70 and finish on eight under.

Deposed world number one Tiger Woods is five off the lead after a difficult 72.

Westwood is well placed to retain his ranking, with rivals Martin Kaymer and Phil Mickelson five shots behind him.

The highlight of his late surge came when he hit a driver on to the par four 16th green to set up a birdie.

The frustration for Woods, who Westwood replaced as world number one, boiled over on the 18th when the American dropped then kicked his driver angrily.

South Africa's Ernie Els hit a superb round of 65 to leave himself two shots off the lead, along with compatriot Jaco Van Zyl and Scotland's Richard Ramsay.

More to follow.

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Britain secure two world titles

WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010
Venue: Lake Karapiro, Waikato, New Zealand Dates: 31 October - 7 November Coverage: Live action & highlights on BBC TV, Red Button and online (UK only)

Purchase & Hunter strike gold for GB

By Martin Gough

Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter added a world title to their 2008 Olympic gold in the lightweight men's double scull.

Britain's Frances Houghton and Debbie Flood also returned from a year off to regain their crown in the women's quad.

But Great Britain's defending world champion men's coxless four were dramatically dumped off the podium after leading for much of their final.

Last year's bronze medallists in the women's lightweight double finished fifth, as did the GB men's quad scull.

In brutal conditions caused by a strong side-wind on Lake Karapiro, Purchase and Hunter put in a commanding display to beat Italy by a boat length, while defending world champions New Zealand were third.

Purchase, from Gloucestershire, missed last season because of illness while Londoner Hunter took 12 months off to coach in California and has suffered illness and injury this season.

But they showed no signs of their early-season form struggles, taking a half-length lead from the off.

Houghton and Flood also took a year off after the disappointment of being pushed into the silver-medal spot by China in Beijing in 2008, when Katherine Grainger was in their crew.

Flood, who spent the time qualifying to become a prison officer, returned to form and fitness in a single scull this season but Houghton has been injured and managed to win a fourth world title in her first big event since Beijing.

GB women blow rivals out of the water

Their delight in victory was emphasised by Annabel Vernon, the fourth crew member in Beijing, who stood up in the stroke seat in an emotional celebration after powerfully overhauling world champions Ukraine in the second half of the race.

Gloucester's Beth Rodford was the only remaining member of the quad that finished fifth in the world final last year.

The men's four - Britain's only winners in Poland a year ago and a favourite to repeat here - could not match that dominance, though, leading by as much as a length for three-quarters of the race.

After suffering a "crab" - catching a wave around the 750m mark - Alex Partridge, Richard Egington, Alex Gregory and Matthew Langridge gradually conceded their lead to France in the outside lane.

They looked powerless to hold on as Greece stormed past in the last 500m and, roared on by the home crowd, New Zealand also pipped them to the line.

Men's pair Andy Hodge and Pete Reed face a battle to overhaul New Zealand's reigning champions Eric Murray and Hamish Bond at the 12th attempt on Saturday.

But, unless they do so, coach Jurgen Grobler is likely to add the duo to a re-jigged four next season, aiming to have a better chance of Olympic gold in 2012.

Great Britain's women's lightweight double scull, Hester Goodsell and Sophie Hosking, also struggled with the rough water on Friday, having been fastest qualifiers for their final.

Canada's Lindsay Jennerich and Tracy Cameron took and early lead and survived a challenge from Germany while the reigning champions from Greece snatched third.

France win as GB faves fade

Britain had qualified for the final of the men's quadruple sculls for the first time since 1982, when Steve Redgrave was in the crew.

But Olympic bronze medallist Stephen Rowbotham and talented youngsters Charles Cousins, Sam Townsend and Bill Lucas were never in the hunt as Croatia pipped Italy to the line for the country's first world title in an Olympic event.

The British crews all wore black ribbons in memory of double Olympic champion Andy Holmes, Redgrave's former pairs partner, who died recently, at the age of 51.

The second of three days of finals in New Zealand starts at 0135 GMT on Saturday.

Single sculler Alan Campbell takes on friend and arch-rival Mahe Drysdale, who pushed him into second place last year and is eyeing a fifth successive world title, but Czech Ondrej Synek is the form sculler of this season.

"My job is to get a medal," said Campbell. "There are four of us that can definitely contest that but the order will really come down to a little bit of luck on the day.

"Hopefully the luck will be on my side and I'll come out on top."

GB's lightweight men's four, containing 2007 world champions Richard Chambers and Paul Mattick, plus Rob Williams and Chris Bartley, look set for a tight battle for medals.

And women's pair Helen Glover and Heather Stanning also have a chance of a place on the podium.

Potenshöjande medel -

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Udinese's Chilean international winger Alexis Sanchez, 21, could be on the verge of a move to Manchester United, according to the player's agent.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Meanwhile, United target Steven Defour is being chased by a number of European clubs, according to the 22-year-old Standard Liege and Belgium midfielder's agent.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Bristol City could be forced to sell former England goalkeeper David James after the club announced record losses of around £11m for last year.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool will move for Athletic Bilbao's 6ft 5in striker Fernando Llorente, if they lose Fernando Torres in the January transfer window.
Full story: talkSPORT

Tottenham are set to swoop for rising Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette, 19, considered one of the best young forwards in Europe.
Full story: talkSPORT

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham will meet the board of the Olympic Park Legacy Company on Friday as the east London club make their pitch for becoming tenants at Stratford's Olympic Stadium after London 2012.
Full story: talkSPORT

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Hodgson praises Gerrard display

Hodgson (left) had Gerrard to thank for a Reds turnaround

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson paid tribute to Steven Gerrard after his captain's heroics in inspiring the Reds to a 3-1 Europa League win against Napoli.

Gerrard, 30, came on at half-time with his team trailing 1-0 and scored a hat-trick to keep Liverpool top of Group K and on the brink of a last-32 place.

"It was outstanding," said Hodgson of Gerrard's performance.

"His entry on to the field was a catalyst, it galvanised the crowd and the team."

Ezequiel Lavezzi had put Napoli ahead before Gerrard beat Napoli keeper Morgan de Sanctis to a backpass by ex-Reds left-back Andrea Dossena to notch an equaliser.

Gerrard converted a penalty and finished off his hat-trick with a chip to complete the turnaround ahead of a Premier League game at home to Chelsea on Sunday.

"We owe a big debt of gratitude to him but he will be the first to join me in saying the whole team in the second half gave a good performance," added Hodgson.

"I thought tonight was a real leader's performance - the first goal was not a pretty goal.

"That was a captain's goal, the goal of a guy who wanted to get his team back in the game even at the risk of injury. That is certainly appreciated by me and my staff."

Gerrard played down his impact on the game as he also cited the part played by his team-mates.

"We went a goal down and the manager asked me to come on and see if I could help get the lads back in it," the Liverpool captain commented.

"Everyone played their part. I'm sure I'll get the headlines but it certainly wasn't just about me. Every one of the lads in the second half was just fantastic.

606: DEBATE Captain Fantastic - What can I say? ftorresonfire

"For the first goal when you're put in that position against a giant of a goalkeeper you've just got to go in and hope for the best.

"There was no class involved, just determination and desire and I don't think the keeper fancied it."

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri was not happy with French referee Fredy Fautrel but also blamed his players for the manner in which they gave away their goals.

"It became increasingly clear in the second half that the referee was happy to whistle for fouls for them and was giving very little to us - this changed the course of the game," Mazzarri stated.

"But we can't just blame the referee, we were also very naive due to our lack of experience.

"The first goal was almost like an own goal the way we gave it away and that changed the atmosphere in the stadium. We conceded silly goals."

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Mancini calls for Man City unity

Mancini's side face West Brom on Sunday and Manchester United on Wednesday

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has called on his side to remain united after slumping to a third straight loss with defeat by Lech Poznan.

City, beaten by Arsenal and Wolves in their last two Premier League games, went down 3-1 to the Polish champions in Europa League Group A.

"We can change this only if we stay together," said under-fire Mancini.

"I'm disappointed because we didn't deserve to lose this game. At the moment, everything is against us."

City made a strong start at Stadion Miejski but failed to take a series of chances before Lech opened the scoring through Dimitrije Injac's low strike from distance.

Mancini's side hit back through Emmanuel Adebayor's close-range finish after the break and substitute David Silva volleyed against the crossbar as they pressed for a second.

But Manuel Arboleda inadvertently headed Dedryck Boyata's clearance into the net to restore Lech's advantage late on before Mateusz Mozdzen secured the points with an unstoppable drive.

The result will merely increase the pressure on Mancini, who was forced to reject claims of unrest in the camp following the defeats by Arsenal and Wolves.

"We lost the last three games but that is football, sometimes you play well, you deserve to score but you don't," stated the Italian.

"We played a good game and we had a lot of chances to win but we must continue to work.

"This is football. Probably if we play this game another 100 times we would win 90 times, maybe.

"But we must accept this. We must continue to work because sometimes you lose games you don't deserve to lose."

City first-team coach David Platt echoed Mancini's comments and insisted there was little reason to panic.

"We are totally confident in the players we have got," said the former England midfielder. "We are totally confident in their mentality and their ability to pick themselves up from a defeat like this."

Responding to claims in the media on in-fighting at Eastlands, Platt added: "There is a lot of negativity at this moment in time but it's external not internal.

"If you come into the training ground on a day-to-day basis there is no negativity there. The players don't like losing games, we don't like losing games.

"I've known for Roberto Mancini for 20 years. He puts pressure on himself to succeed. We all do.

"We have got good players at the football club that want to win and want to succeed. That's why defeats knock them down. But they put the boots back on in the morning and get back up very, very quickly."

Mancini made eight changes to the side that started at Wolves on Saturday as the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott were recalled.

But they failed to impress against a team who have struggled in the lower reaches of the Polish league this season and sacked their manager a day before the match.

Mancini had several key players missing - including captain Carlos Tevez, Kolo Toure and Yaya Toure - but declared himself content with City's efforts.

"I'm disappointed to lose the game but I'm happy because they played a good game. It is important that we keep going," he added.

"W were missing 10 players that were at home. We have 20 good players but sometimes you can lose a game you do not deserve to lose."

606: DEBATE It's about time City fans accept, that what has been said about us is true. We have been paying players extortionate amounts of money that they don't deserve blueboy0304

City now turn their attention back to the Premier League, with a trip to West Brom on Sunday preceding the visit of local rivals Manchester United on 10 November.

The game against United at Eastlands will be one of the highest profile matches of the season.

But Platt believes his players will rise to the challenge as they seek to remain in the hunt for silverware.

"You look at it and think you have got an opportunity in the next three games to get yourself going again," he said. "Footballers have to be resilient and they have to be strong."

For Poznan manager Jose Maria Bakero, Thursday's win over City represented a remarkable start to life at the Polish champions.

He was only formally appointed on Wednesday following the dismissal of Jacek Zielinski and had only one training session with the side before the match.

And he declined to take full credit for the result, instead sharing it liberally with all concerned, including his predecessor.

"In football, you have to be lucky sometimes and we were for the goal to go 2-1 but we were better than Manchester City as a team and we deserved to win," Bakero reflected.

"I want to congratulate the team and the supporters because we did a great job. I would also like to dedicate this victory to the previous coach. I don't want to say I won or Zielinski won, we all won."

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Roddick through to Basle quarters

Roddick's last tournament win was in Miami in April

Andy Roddick beat Andrey Golubev 6-3 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors and keep alive his hopes of reaching the ATP World Tour Finals.

Fourth seed Roddick will take on Argentina's David Nalbandian next.

Nalbandian, the 2002 Basle champion and a three-time runner-up, beat sixth seed Marin Cilic 4-6 6-4 6-4.

Second seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic beat Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 6-4 7-6 (7-6) and will face Dutchman Robin Haase in the last eight.

Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic earned a clash with top seed Roger Federer by beating Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 3-6 6-2 6-0.

Richard Gasquet of France beat Germany's Tobias Kamke 6-4 7-5 to set up an encounter with Viktor Troicki of Serbia, who had a walkover win over Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Rafael Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling have already booked their places at the ATP World Tour Finals, where the world's top eight players will lock horns at London's O2 Arena between 21-28 November, leaving three slots to be filled.

David Ferrer, currently one place ahead of Roddick in the rankings in seventh, stayed on track for qualification when he beat Russian qualifier Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-4 6-1 to reach the Valencia Open quarter-finals.

Fourth seed Ferrer, the 2008 champion, did not face a single break point against Gabashvili and will play Italian Potito Starace on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

Second seed Soderling booked his place in the last eight when he swept aside Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-2 6-3.

Swede Soderling was joined by Russian sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko, who survived a tough first set to come through 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 against Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina and set up a quarter-final clash with Frenchman Gilles Simon.

Soderling will play the winner of Thursday's match between Simon's compatriot Gael Monfils and Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland.

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Vettel is number one, says Webber

Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos, 5-7 November
Qualifying: 1500-1720 on BBC One, Red Button, online and 5 live sports extra
Race: 1510-1815 on BBC One, Red Button, online and Radio 5 live sports extra

Webber had to deal with some difficult questions about favouritism at Red Bull

By Sarah Holt and Andrew Benson BBC Sport in Sao Paulo

Mark Webber has reopened the controversy about favouritism at Red Bull by saying the team support Sebastian Vettel more than him.

Webber has been Red Bull's leading contender in the championship since May but the team are refusing to ask Vettel to back the Australian's title bid.

It was suggested to Webber in a news conference that he did not feel the team were emotionally behind him.

Webber said: "It's obvious, isn't it?" But added it was "absolutely fine."

The 34-year-old is second in the championship heading into Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, 11 points behind the leader, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton is third, four points ahead of German Vettel.

I've had a great opportunity with a great car to go and do some great things this year and I have done that Mark Webber

The fifth contender, McLaren's Jenson Button, is 42 points behind Spaniard Alonso with only 50 available in the final two races here and in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

Webber's remarks came in a news conference in which he was quizzed on the team's unwillingness to put their weight behind him as their best way of beating Alonso.

After a number of responses in which he was clearly searching for the right way to respond to the line of questioning, it was suggested to him that he still seemed to think the team were not fully behind him.

He replied: "Technically everything's been very, very good."

But when it was then suggested that he did not feel the team were emotionally behind him, he replied: "It's obvious, isn't it?

"When young new chargers come on to the block, that's the way it is, which is absolutely fine because I've had a great opportunity with a great car to go and do some great things this year and I have done that. I've got favourites in life. That's how it is. It's human nature."

He added: "I think I wasn't supposed to be in the hunt. At all. So it's been maybe quite inconvenient, but I've enjoyed every bit of it."

FIVE-WAY BATTLE EXPLAINED 1 ALONSO 231pts 2 WEBBER 220pts 3 HAMILTON 210pts 4 VETTEL 206pts 5 BUTTON 189pts If Alonso wins in Brazil, he will be champion unless Webber is higher than fourth If Alonso is second, he will be champion unless Webber is higher than eighth, Hamilton higher than fourth or Vettel wins If Alonso is third, he will be champion unless Webber finishes in the top 10, Hamilton in the top four and Vettel in the top three If Alonso does not finish on the podium, it will go to Abu Dhabi Button can only stay in contention if he finishes first or second but is out if Alonso finishes in the top six or if Webber is in the top two Vettel must beat Alonso on track to stay in contention

Webber has been with Red Bull since 2007, when they were a midfield contender.

But the team have made it clear that they are building their future around 23-year-old Vettel, who joined in 2009 after being part of their driver development programme.

The issue of the team's apparent preference for Vettel has been a running theme this season .

Webber led the championship for the first time this year after the Monaco Grand Prix in May. He lost it to Hamilton, regained it, and then lost it to Alonso after crashing out of the last race in South Korea two weeks ago, where Vettel retired from the lead with an engine failure.

When Webber's comments were put to team principal Christian Horner, he said: "It's not inconvenient (that Mark has been leading the championship).

"Mark has had tremendous support from the team. The team have given him a great car and we've done our best to give them both equal equipment.

"I'd have to understand what Mark was meaning by those comments. He's probably referring to the support of Sebastian by Helmut Marko (Red Bull's special adviser, who is close to team owner Dietrich Mateschitz).

"But that doesn't change how the team operate. Dietrich has always been very clear - he doesn't mind whether it's the oldest or the youngest world champion. We've given both as much support as we can.

"Obviously it would have been very convenient for Mark if we'd said Seb would be his rear gunner for the last few races. But that was never going to be the way we went racing - whichever way round the drivers were."

The controversy was heightened in the last week when former F1 driver Gerhard Berger, who is close to Mateschitz, said on Red Bull's own TV station that he thought Webber had let his car run back across the track after his crash in Korea in an attempt to take out one of his championship rivals - he ended up hitting Mercedes's Nico Rosberg.

Webber responded sarcastically to those remarks on Thursday by saying: "First of all, I lost control of the car and then I've regained control and tried to take someone out. I'm a bit of a genius, aren't I?"

He added: "Gerhard has had some pretty nasty accidents in his time and so have I. I would never put myself or anyone else in any more danger than I need to."

Horner said Berger's comments were "purely his personal view".

He added: "They're nothing to do with the team and it's certainly not a team view. We have always believed in freedom of speech."

Horner admitted that the team were open to the possibility of asking one driver to support the other in one of the final two races if the mathematics of the championship made it the obvious tactic.

Vettel said he was still "full of hope" that he could win the world championship.

"We've seen how much things can change in one weekend," he said.

With Alonso's team-mate Felipe Massa making it clear he will help Alonso, McLaren are also in the awkward position of deciding when to ask Button to do the same.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said this week that the team would make the decision depending on the situation in the race.

Button said that this weekend they would not be allowed to do that as team orders are banned in F1, but that he would make his own decision on the matter.

"[Martin] won't ask me, no," added Button. "The team won't ask me to do anything because that's illegal.

"If I can't win the race, I'll make what I feel is the right decision during the race and it will be entirely my decision."

Hamilton agreed that he did not need Button's help on the track and that the best outcome would be for McLaren to perform strongly as a team.

ANDREW BENSON'S BLOG It is astonishing in many ways that so many drivers have remained in contention until now. But, inevitably, with only two races left, it is increasingly unlikely that this will remain the case by Sunday evening

"We can help ourselves by just getting the best out of the car," added Hamilton.

"It would be great to have both of us at the best that we've been all year, both of us right up there and doing that to divide the group - that's the only way we can help each other."

Hamilton needs results to go his way on Sunday if he is to regain the title he won at Interlagos in 2008, but he remained upbeat about his chances.

"It is still in my hands and I am generally quite relaxed," said Hamilton.

"Whatever results I'm able to achieve puts me in a stronger or weaker position. I just have to finish ahead of them and hope what goes on behind me is positive for me.

"If I win the next two races I put myself in the best position possible. I never have problems giving up. I always push to the last moment.

"The gap seems a lot but anything can happen."

Button, who captured his 2009 crown in Brazil, conceded it has now become difficult to defend his title.

"I want to fight for it again," Button said. "Most of this season I have been fighting for the world championship. Now it's very difficult to continue fighting, but there's still a bit of hope.

"I want to win the race so that's my main aim. It'll be pretty close around this circuit which makes the fight for the title even better."

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Hanagan still ahead of Hughes

Hughes v Hanagan - Friday's rides

Hanagan wins on Iron Condor in the final race at Kempton

Paul Hanagan won on his final ride at Kempton on Thursday to lead Richard Hughes by two in the race for the jockeys' championship.

Irishman Hughes bagged a double on board Queen Of Cash and Dingaan but Hanagan hit back courtesy of 3-1 favourite Iron Condor.

Earlier at Lingfield, Hanagan had a success on Jeremy Noseda's Ritual while Hughes had seven races without a win.

With two days to go in the race, Hanagan leads Hughes by 188-186.

Just as Hanagan had made the most of an obvious winning chance on odds-on favourite Ritual, so did Hughes as he gave the Hughie Morrison-trained Queen Of Cash (7-2) a masterful ride in the nursery at Kempton.

606: DEBATE Will it be Hanagan or Hughes?

Ritual is owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, whose managing director Harry Herbert said: "Hughesie actually wanted the ride, but Paul has ridden this horse the last two times and won on him so it would have been very tough to have jocked him off."

If the ride on Queen Of Cash was good, Hughes surpassed it with his effort on 13-8 favourite Dingaan, winning going away from Hanagan on Vhujon.

But just as the momentum seemed to be firmly with Hughes, Hanagan hit back through the James Eustace-trained Iron Condor.

Northern-based Hanagan was clearly relieved and commented: "I have just been down here living in a suitcase all week from last Saturday and it has been tough.

"I have been hitting the crossbar when I come here and it is great to get one on the board. It is great for racing, and just what we need - it's just not great for me or Richard.

"But I have got to go out and do what I have been doing, keep focused and not worry about what Richard is doing. But that can be quite hard at times."

Hughes had endured a trying time on Wednesday when adverse weather conditions meant his helicopter from Nottingham had to land in Leicester, meaning he missed the evening meeting at Kempton.

And, reflecting on Wednesday's travails after his win on Queen Of Cash, Hughes added: "That has made it worthwhile. The trip here was grand, I had to go back up [in the helicopter] to get my confidence back and I tell you what, I was glad to get down."

The show moves on to Southwell and Wolverhampton on Friday, with Hanagan riding at both, while Hughes will be in action solely at Wolverhampton.

Hanagan holds a definite advantage, with six booked rides at Southwell in the afternoon and a further five at Wolverhampton in the evening, compared to his rival's three rides at Wolverhampton.

FRIDAY'S RIDES

RICHARD HUGHES (186)
Towy Boy 1735 Wolverhampton
Pipers Piping 1840 Wolverhampton
Colour Scheme 1940 Wolverhampton

PAUL HANAGAN (188)
Suddenly Susan 1300 Southwell
Lexington Bay 1330 Southwell
Sloop Johnb 1400 Southwell
Diggeratt 1430 Southwell
We'll Deal Again 1500 Southwell
Fitz Flyer 1530 Southwell
Style And Panache 1705 Wolverhampton
Ability N Delivery 1735 Wolverhampton
Home Office 1810 Wolverhampton
Kenton Street 1840 Wolverhampton
Beetuna 1910 Wolverhampton

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Cole optimistic on playing future

Cole is still considered to be one of the best left-backs in the world

Ashley Cole believes the backroom staff at Chelsea can help prolong his career as he learns to deal with the legacy of a troublesome ankle.

The England left-back, 29, has had two operations on his ankle, including surgery on a fracture in February.

"I owe a lot to the physios and the staff," Cole told BBC Radio 5 live. "I speak to the manager and sometimes I don't train.

"We have great facilities and hopefully it will keep my career going longer."

Cole fractured his ankle on 10 February during a 2-1 defeat at Everton last season but, after a three-month absence, recovered in time for England's ill-fated 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Although he has avoided any further problems, the question of how the former Arsenal man can best recover from competitive action is now an increasingly important part of the Chelsea backroom staff's planning.

"After games it [the ankle] gets a bit stiff," Cole revealed. "It's not as if I can't train.

"I can train the next day if I want but the coaches here and the medical department say: 'Just stay inside and rest. You don't need to go out, you run enough in the games'."

And the full-back reckons that he has been in excellent form this season as the west Londoners defend their Premier League title.

"After my ankle operation I felt freer and could move better," he said. "I think I've got back to my best and maybe even better."

Cole and Chelsea's fine season continued on Wednesday as they beat Spartak Moscow to qualify for the knockout stage of Europe's top club competition with two games to spare.

The competition has not been kind to the men from Stamford Bridge in recent years - they lost on penalties to Manchester United in the 2008 final, while Barcelona halted their progress in the 2009 semi-final, and eventual winners Inter Milan knocked them out at the last-16 stage last season.

As long as my family, manager and team-mates are happy, then I'll be happy Ashley Cole

But after victory over Russian champions Moscow, which maintained Chelsea's 100% record in Group F, boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side's sights are firmly set on bringing the trophy to Stamford Bridge for the first time when the final is played at Wembley in May 2011.

However, Cole insisted that despite near-misses in Europe, retaining the Premier League title remains his number one target this term.

"For me to win the Premier League is what I want to do every year," stated Cole, whose team top the domestic table by five points from Arsenal and Manchester United.

"To be champions of England is a great achievement, especially with how good this league is.

"There's a lot of players who said, 'We had on our hand on the Champions League, our fingers on it', and, of course, it got taken away from us. So, I think that's in the back of our minds.

"And a lot of players here want to win that because they've not done that. I'm no different, it would be nice to win the Champions League but, as I said, the Premier League's what I want to win more."

Although some of Chelsea's key players are over 30, Cole affirmed: "If you look at the experience and the quality and how fit these guys are, it doesn't matter what the age is.

606: DEBATE What he has gone through (self inflicted or not) seems to have given him a dose of modesty and he seems a changed man this year JohnTerrysHardTackle

"Lamps [Frank Lampard] runs for fun and Didier [Drogba] is strong. Everyone's getting old but we're still playing well, we're experienced together, we know how we want to play and how each other plays and so far it's healthy."

Cole's private life has often been publicised in the media, and he again made headlines in September when he and pop star wife Cheryl divorced.

But Cole brushed aside his off-field issues, saying: "As long as my family, manager and team-mates are happy, then I'll be happy.

"Other things - you just got to get on with it. It happens in life. I'm here to play football and that's it."

Aside from the press coverage that accompanied his celebrity marriage, Cole has also come in for barracking from the stands - particularly from fans of his former club Arsenal whom he left for Chelsea, following a tapping-up controversy, in 2006.

However, Cole maintains he has learned to deal with the criticism.

"I probably would say I've changed. Now, I'm a little bit more relaxed and just go with the flow," he reflected.

"When I started at Arsenal I was a young guy playing for the team I supported. You're just happy, you don't know what you're actually getting yourself into.

"You just think it's all happy, it's all fun. But you have to take the good with the bad. I've had my bad times but I just want to play football and keep winning things and one day look back and say: 'You know what? I had a great career'."

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