Greg Lalas wrote a powerful piece a few years back in Soccer America about how he took the decision at the age of 24 to leave professional soccer.

British racer Mark Cavendish today claimed back-to-back stage wins and the overall lead at the Tour of Qatar.

Simon Cox has joined Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee from West Brom, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed.

Brothers David and Stéphane Foenkinos’ debut feature Delicacy is a quirky romcom starring Amelie’s Audrey Tautou, says Declan Cashin

Southampton have finally been rescued from administration after Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr completed his takeover at St Mary’s.

Scotland’s Lloyd and Elliot Saltman today became the first brothers to qualify for The Open since Seve and Manuel Ballesteros 26 years ago – both of them by the skin of their teeth.

Unbeaten as Ryder Cup partners last year and inseparable on tour for years, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke went their separate ways on the leaderboard in the first round of the Austrian Open today.

GRAEME McDOWELL was left to rue a number of missed opportunities after finishing runner-up at the Volvo China Open on Sunday, but the Portrush man was still more than satisfied with his return to competitive golf after a five-week lay-off.

Irish golfer Graeme McDowell was left to rue a number of missed opportunities after finishing runner-up at the Volvo China Open on Sunday, despite being the only player to break par for all four rounds.

German referee Markus Merk will take charge of the UEFA celebration game at Old Trafford on March 13.

A district court in central Finland today charged a 32-year-old Finnish male tae kwon do instructor of 799 sexual crimes, mostly against teenage girls.

JESSICA KÜRTEN sat down to dinner last night in Kuala Lumpur and reflected on a superb performance that saw her place fourth in the first round of the World Cup.

LAST year’s Irish Derby third Shalapour collapsed and died after a routine canter on Mark Johnston’s gallops yesterday.

Markus Winkelhock, the son of ex-Formula One driver Manfred, has been named as a Midland test driver for next year.

Police in Belfast today faced accusations of homophobia from a gay man beaten up in the city.

Arsene Wenger insisted Arsenal are not “stupid” enough to wreck 10 years’ of planning overnight by selling Thierry Henry to either Real Madrid or Chelsea - at any price.

Arsenal 1 Blackburn Rovers 0

Liverpool will allow Markus Babbel to join Blackburn if the German agrees terms with the Ewood Park club.

German star Markus Babbel has been told he no longer figures in Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier’s plans and can look for another club.

David Higgins will start today's fourth round of the Madrid Open at 15 under par.