Saturday, April 28, 2012

Sports World

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Gerrard, Kuyt Admit League Struggles Posted: 28 Apr 2012 05:42 AM PDT Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt admit Liverpool have not been good enough this season, despite their success in the domestic cup competitions. Liverpool have won just three times in the Premier League, since the turn of the year, and are facing their worst position and points haul since the inception of the Premier League in 1992.  The Reds sit two points behind Merseyside rivals, Everton, in eighth, and are in real danger of finishing in the bottom half of the table. The development has been upsetting for Liverpool fans betting on football.  They have been a different side in the cup – lifting the League Cup in February and reaching the FA Cup final with a last-four victory over their neighbours – but the season is in danger of being overshadowed by their league struggles. Gerrard wants Liverpool to build towards next season, during the final four games of the campaign. "We know our league form hasn't been good enough, particularly in the second half of the season. We have to concentrate on getting it right - and forget about Chelsea in the FA Cup final", said the Liverpool skipper. Dutch star, Kuyt, echoed his captain's sentiments, saying the Reds will "not be satisfied" with their league position, regardless of how they end the season. "We are playing for Liverpool, and when you do that you have to win every game. We have lost too many games and too many league points", said Kuyt. "We can't look back; we want to change things, and we have to do that now by winning as many games as possible, between now and the end of the season." Reap the rewards of your Premier League betting predictions before the close of the current campaign. Liverpool travel to Norwich City and host Fulham before the FA Cup final against Chelsea, on May 5, with another clash at home to the Blues coming a few days later. The Reds finish their season at Swansea City.

Smith Ready to Bring in New Era Posted: 28 Apr 2012 05:57 AM PDT London Irish director of rugby, Brian Smith, admits that the club are entering a transitional period, but insists that he is excited at the prospect of bringing in a new era. The Exiles have had a disappointing season in the Premiership, and will lose a whole host of star names in the summer.  Nick Kennedy, Delon Armitage, Paul Hodgson, Shontayne Hape, and Dan Bowden are all leaving Irish, while Bob Casey is retiring at the end of the season. Half-backs, Shane Geraghty and Tomas O'Leary, are among the players joining the club in the summer. "It's sad in a way to see senior players leaving, but on the other hand it is quite exciting", Smith told BBC Radio Berkshire. Smith hopes that the outgoing players are rewarded for their loyalty with a fitting tribute in their final game of the season, against Gloucester. The result of the fixture is too close to call in the rugby betting. "It is very important to give these players a send off.  We've had some great warriors at this club, and the team that was built in 2005 is coming to an end, with Bob Casey playing his last game and Nick Kennedy leaving", added Smith. "But there is a great bed of players here. We are going to rebuild with English-qualified players off the back of our academy, with a touch of Irish flavour, but we also want to sign some world-class players." The former England attack coach added he was enjoying being back at the club he left in 2008. "I feel like I've come back home, everyone has welcomed me back with open arms", Smith said. "There are a few things we are needing to do behind the scenes to freshen things up, to make sure we are putting some money into the playing squad, so that we have a very strong side for next season." Prepare yourself for the Irish's upcoming clash, by checking out the best rugby betting offers.

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