India's Premier Soccer League aims to capture country's imagination.

We take a look at the up and coming ‘Indian Super League'.

Below is a report taking in full from our friends at BBC Sport.

By Rahul Tandon BBC Sport

Walk around any Indian city and you will see youngsters wearing Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea shirts.

Every weekend millions of young middle class Indians watch their adopted teams on television.

Now in the football-crazy state of West Bengal, which is home to more than 90 million people, a new football league has been launched.

The men behind the Premier Soccer League hope the participation of former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler , along with the likes of Premier League title-winners Robert Pires and Hernan Crespo, plus Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, will give the beautiful game a much-needed boost in the world's largest democracy.

Bhaswar Goswami, the public face of the competition, expects India to clinch World Cup qualification for the first time within the next 10 years. And, when the national team achieve that goal, he wants the whole country to look back and remember the start of the PSL as the day the journey began.

On Monday I was at a five-star hotel in Calcutta where more than £4.4m was spent on 20 international players and five coaches. That may be peanuts in the context of world football but in India it is a significant amount. And there is more to come.
Utpal Ganguly, secretary of the Indian Football Association, told the BBC: "I think that, with no disrespect to the likes of Robbie Fowler, one year of success and you will see bigger names coming here. This is only the beginning."

Manchester United striker Michael Owen and Nicolas Anelka, who recently left Chelsea for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, have been linked with an Indian move, as has ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

So how will it work? The new six-team league is set to start in March and the season, which has 35 matches, will last for seven weeks. Each club will have an iconic player and a foreign coach, while they are also permitted to field two other foreigners and an Asian player alongside locally produced footballers.
But there is one major problem facing the league - stars from the country's main domestic league, the I-League, are not allowed to take part.

There are also worries whether some of the smaller teams have the infrastructure in place for such a league.

Arunava Chaudhuri, one of those behind Bayern Munich's recent trip to India, feels comparisons between the new league and cricket's money-spinning Indian Premier League are unfair.

He said: "As this is a regional league it is wrong to compare it with the IPL.
"The players will have to live in areas like Silliguri and Durgapur where the hotels and other facilities will not be up to the international standards they are used to."

The concerns of Chaudhuri are also shared by respected Indian sports writer Arvind Basu. He added: "If the teams just spend money on ageing international stars and not on local infrastructure then Indian football will not benefit."

Even though cricket is India's national sport, there is also huge passion for football in areas like West Bengal, Goa and Kerala.

The Calcutta Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan regularly attracts crowds of over 90,000. It even has an impact on the price of food - if Mohun Bagan win the price of prawns goes up as the club's fans buy in bulk to celebrate. If East Bengal triumph it's the price of Hilsha - a local fish - that rises.

India was also asked to play in the 1950 World Cup but the footballers pulled out after their request to play in bare feet was declined.

So it begs one burning question. Can Fowler, Pires, Crespo and Cannavaro help football conquer what some have described as its final frontier?

With the global coverage it has received, the league has already helped put India on the football map. Though whether that is as a football destination or as a football-playing country remains to be seen.

Indian football is beginning a new chapter but like all good stories no-one knows how it is going to end.

Stobart Super League 2012: club-by-club guide

There may be new sponsors, six new coaches and seven new captains but it would be a surprise if Stobart Super League XVII throws up any change to the old order. Thanks to our friends at Telegraph Sport for the guide to the 2012 season.

By Ian Laybourn

Bradford Bulls

Coach: Mick Potter (since November 2010)

Captain (joint): Heath L'Estrange and Matt Diskin.

2011 finish: 10th

2011 leading scorers: tries – Shad Royston 10; goals – Patrick Ah Van 87; points – Patrick Ah Van 210.

Biggest Super League win: 96-16 (v Salford, 2000).

Biggest Super League defeat: 66-4 (v St Helens, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Odsal, 26,019.

2010 average attendance: 13,967 (up 5,531)

Record Super League attendance: 24,020 (v Leeds 1999).

In: Manase Manuokafoa (Parramatta), Keith Lulia (Newcastle Knights), Luke Gale (Harlequins), Jarrod Sammut, Elliott Kear (both Crusaders), Adrian Purtell (Penrith Panthers), Karl Pryce (Wigan).

Out: Patrick Ah Van (Widnes) Shad Royston (Pia), Marc Herbert (released), Andy Lynch (Hull), Gareth Raynor (Featherstone), Cain Southernwood (Dewsbury, on season-long loan), Steve Crossley (released).

Odds to finish top: 50-1 (William Hill).

Prospects: The pressure is coach Mick Potter to avoid another season of underachievement and the play-offs could once more be out of the Bulls' reach. Andy Lynch is a big loss for them.

Prediction: 9th.
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Castleford Tigers

Coach: Ian Millward (since November 2011).

Captain: Danny Orr.

2011 finish: 9th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Rangi Chase, Richard Owen, Nick Youngquest 12; goals: Kirk Dixon 84; points – Kirk Dixon 196.

Biggest Super League win: 74-16 (v Salford, 2002).

Biggest Super League defeat: 62-0 (v Warrington, 2011) (also lost 68-12 v St Helens, 2008).
Ground and capacity: The Probiz Coliseum (formerly Wheldon Road), 11,750.

2011 average attendance: 7,156 (up 540)

Record Super League attendance: 11,731 (v Leeds, 2004).

In: Josh Griffin (Huddersfield), Steve Nash (Leigh), Lee Mitchell, Ryan Shaw (both Warrington, on loan, Grant Millington (Canterbury Bulldogs), James Grehan (Limoux).

Out: Nick Fozzard (Dewsbury), Dean Widders (returned to Australia), Willie Isa (Widnes), Greg Eden (Huddersfield), Martin Aspinwall (Hull), Richard Mathers (Wakefield on season-long loan).

Odds to finish top: 66-1.

Prospects: New coach Ian Millward will need to call on all his nous if he is to take the Tigers into the play-offs. They will rely heavily on 2011 Man of Steel Rangi Chase.

Prediction: 12th.
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Catalan Dragons

Coach: Trent Robinson (since November 2010).

Captain: Gregory Mounis.

2011 finish: 6th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Damien Blanch 20; goals – Scott Dureau 92; points – Scott Dureau 233.

Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Salford, 2007).

Biggest Super League defeat: 60-12 (v Leeds, 2006).

Ground and capacity: Gilbert Brutus Stadium, 13,000.

2011 average attendance: 8,387 (up 1,573).

Record Super League attendance: 11,122 (v Wigan, 2006, at Stade Aime Giral) (also drew 18,150 for visit of Warrington to Barcelona's Olympic Stadium in 2009).

In: Leon Pryce (St Helens), Louis Anderson (Warrington), Julian Bousquet (Lezignan).

Out: Ben Farrar (Manly), Sebastien Martins (Lezignan).

Odds to finish top: 14-1.

Prospects: Trent Robinson has made a couple of significant additions to his squad and they look sure to be competitive, especially on home soil. Despite an early glut of injuries, the Dragons could be an outside bet for Old Trafford.

Prediction: 5th.
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Huddersfield Giants

Coach: Nathan Brown (since December 2008).

Captain: Kevin Brown.

2011 finish: 4th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Jermaine McGilvary 16; goals – Danny Brough 82; points – Danny Brough 197

Biggest Super League win: 68-16 (v Leigh, 2005) (also 52-0 and 58-6 v Wakefield, 2010)

Biggest Super League defeat: 86-6 (v Leeds, 1999).

Ground and capacity: Galpharm Stadium, 24,500.

2011 average attendance: 7,147 (down 86)

Record Super League attendance: 15,629 (v Leeds, 2008).

In: Jason Chan (Crusaders), Aaron Murphy, Tommy Lee, Luke George (all Wakefield), Greg Eden (Castleford), Tony Tonks (Featherstone).

Out: Darrell Griffin (Leeds), David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Hull KR), Gregg McNally (Leigh), Josh Griffin (Castleford), Kyle Wood, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond (all Wakefield), Elliott Hodgson, Jamie Simpson (both (released).

Odds to finish top: 16-1.

Prospects: Nathan Brown will be keen to finish on a high as he prepares to return to Australia and the Giants look a shoo-in for the top eight but they do not look as strong this year and another top-four finish looks a tall order.

Prediction: 6th.
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Hull FC

Coach: Peter Gentle (since November 2011)

Captain: Andy Lynch.

2011 finish: 8th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Kirk Yeaman 21; goals – Danny Tickle 83; points – Danny Tickle 202.

Biggest Super League win: 82-6 (v Salford, 2004).

Biggest Super League defeat: 64-10 (v St Helens, 2002) – also lost 71-0 at Bradford in 2005 play-offs.

Ground and capacity: KC Stadium, 25,404.

2011 average attendance: 12,431 (down 1,583)

Record Super League attendance: 23,004 (v Hull KR, 2007).

In: Jamie Ellis (Leigh), Aaron Heremaia, Brett Seymour (both New Zealand Warriors), Wade McKinnon (Wests Tigers), Eamon O'Carroll (Wigan), Andy Lynch (Bradford), Tony Martin (Crusaders), Martin Aspinwall (Castleford), Mike Burnett (returned from loan at Harlequins).

Out: Sean Long, Lee Radford, Craig Fitzgibbon (all retired), Martin Gleeson, Ewan Dowes (both released), Cameron Phelps (Widnes), Epalahame Lauaki (Wigan), Danny Washbrook (Wakefield), Sam Obst (Keighley).

Odds to finish top: 20-1.

Prospects: Hull have presented new coach Peter Gentle with a much-changed squad and all look quality additions so an assault on the top four could be on.

Prediction: 7th.
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Hull Kingston Rovers

Coach: Craig Sandercock (since November 2011)#

Captain: Ben Galea

2011 finish: 7th

2011 leading scorers: tries – Kris Welham 24; goals – Michael Dobson 76; points – Michael Dobson 179

Biggest Super League win: 70-14 (v Wakefield, 2011)

Biggest Super League defeat: 60-20 (v Warrington, 2007 – also lost 40-0 v St Helens, 2010 and 56-6 v Catalan Dragons in 2011 play-offs)

Ground and capacity: Craven Park, 10,250

2011 average attendance: 8,320 (up 86)

Record Super League attendance: 10,250 (v Hull, 2011).

In: David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Huddersfield), Lincoln Withers, Ryan O'Hara (both Crusaders), George Griffin (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Micky Paea (Canterbury Bulldogs), Constantine Mika, Shannon McDonnell (both Newcastle)

Out: Clint Newton (Penrith Panthers) Mick Vella (retired), Ben Fisher (Batley), Shaun Briscoe (Widnes), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both London Broncos), Peter Fox (Wakefield).

Odds to finish top: 40-1.

Prospects: Rovers have lost a lot of experience and 2012 could be a year of consolidation under new coach Craig Sandercock, especially after losing playmaker Blake Green for much of it with a blood clot.

Prediction: 10th.
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Leeds Rhinos

Coach: Brian McDermott (since November 2010)

Captain: Kevin Sinfield.

2011 finish: 5th

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Ryan Hall 28; goals – Kevin Sinfield 138; points – Kevin Sinfield 286.

Biggest Super League win: 86-6 (v Huddersfield, 1999)

Biggest Super League defeat: 68-14 (v Wigan, 1996)

Ground and capacity: Headingley, 20,000

2011 average attendance: 14,669 (down 568).

Record Super League attendance: 23,035 (v Bradford 2003).

In: Darrell Griffin (Huddersfield), Richard Moore (Crusaders), Luke Ambler (returned from loan at Harlequins).

Out: Keith Senior (released), Luke Burgess (South Sydney), Ben Cross (Widnes), Danny Buderus (Newcastle), Kyle Amor, Ali Lauitiiti (both Wakefield).

Odds to finish top: 6-1.

Prospects: No one will underestimate the Rhinos after last year's incredible achievement and they will once more be pushing for Old Trafford.

Prediction: 4th.
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London Broncos

Coach: Rob Powell (since November 2010)

Captain: tbc.

2011 finish: 12th

2011 leading scorers: tries – Luke Dorn 13; goals – Luke Gale 75; points – Luke Gale 184

Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005)

Biggest Super League defeat: 82-6 (v Warrington, 2011)

Ground and capacity: Twickenham Stoop, 15,000.

2011 average attendance: 3,132 (down 248)

Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris, at The Valley, 1996).

In: Craig Gower (French RU), Mark Bryant, Michael Witt (both Crusaders), Antonio Kaufusi (Newcastle Knights), Shane Rodney (Manly), Julien Rinaldi (Wakefield), Jarrad Hickey (Wakefield, to be confirmed), Michael Robertson (Manly), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both Hull KR).

Out: Luke Gale (Bradford), Rob Purdham (retired), Andy Ellis, Oliver Wilkes (both Wakefield), David Williams (London Skolars), Mark Burnett (returned from loan spell to Hull), Nick Kouparitsas, Danny Ward, Mark Calderwood (all released), Luke Ambler (returned to Leeds after loan spell), Karl Pryce (returned from loan spell to Wigan).

Odds to finish top: 80-1.

Prospects: After a dismal 2011, the only way is up for Rob Powell's men in their new guise and, with a host of quality signings, they ought to be pushing for a play-off spot.

Prediction: 8th.
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Salford City Reds

Coach: Phil Veivers (since November 2011)

Captain: Stephen Wild.

2011 finish: 11th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Jodie Broughton 14; goals – Daniel Holdsworth 68; points – Daniel Holdsworth 164.

Biggest Super League win: 56-16 (v Bradford, 2011).

Biggest Super League defeat: 96-16 (v Bradford, 2000).

Ground and capacity: Salford Community Stadium, 12,000.

2011 average attendance: 4,754 (up 588)

Record Super League attendance: 10,146 (v Catalan 2011).

In: Shannan McPherson (South Sydney), Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers, Stuart Howarth (all Wakefield), Joel Moon (New Zealand Warriors), Jordan James (Crusaders), Matty Ashurst (St Helens).

Out: Stefan Ratchford (Warrington), Ray Cashmere, Mark Henry (both returned to Australia), Jack Spencer (Wests Tigers), Rob Parker, Adam Clay (both Leigh).

Odds to finish top: 80-1.

Prospects: A new home and a new coach, but it is hard to see a change in fortunes for the City Reds, who will sorely miss departed duo Ray Cashmere and Stefan Ratchford.

Prediction: 13th.
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St Helens

Coach: Royce Simmons (since November 2010)

Captain: Paul Wellens

2011 finish: 3rd

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Jamie Foster 21; goals – Jamie Foster 123; points – Jamie Foster 330

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005)

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2004)

Ground and capacity: Langtree Park, 18,000

2011 average attendance (at Widnes): 7,975 (down 3,594)

Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996).

In: Lance Hohaia (New Zealand Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast), Mark Flanagan (Wests Tigers).

Out: James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kyle Eastmond (Bath RU), Leon Pryce (Catalan Dragons), Matty Ashurst (Salford), Scott Moore (Widnes), Tom Armstrong (Swinton), Gareth Frodsham (Batley).

Odds to finish top: 10-3.

Prospects: Saints begin life after James Graham at an impressive new home and, despite the loss of their inspirational forward, they are sure to be gunning for a seventh consecutive appearance at Old Trafford.

Prediction: 3rd.
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Wakefield Trinity Wilcats

Coach: Richard Agar (since November 2011)

Captain: Steve Southern.

2011 finish: 13th

2011 leading scorers: tries – Chris Dean 8; goals – Josh Veivers 22; points – Josh Griffin 62.

Biggest Super League win: 68-6 (v Halifax, 2003).

Biggest Super League defeat: 72-8 (v London, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Rapid Solicitors Stadium (formerly Belle Vue), 11,000.
2011 average attendance: 6,552 (up 568).

Record Super League attendance: 11,000 (v Castleford, 2006).

In: Issac John (New Zealand Warriors), Oliver Wilkes, Andy Ellis (both Harlequins), Vince Mellars (Crusaders), Kyle Amor, Ali Lauitiiti (both Leeds), Kyle Wood, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond (all Huddersfield), Ben Cockayne (Featherstone), Peter Fox (Hull KR), Steve Southern (Newcastle Knights), Dean Collis (Cronulla), Danny Washbrook (Hull), Tim Smith (Cronulla), Matt James (Barrow), Paul Aiton (Cronulla), Richard Mathers (Castleford, on season-long loan).

Out: Chris Dean (Widnes), Paul King (York), Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy, Luke George (all Huddersfield), Julien Rinaldi, Jarrad Hickey (both Harlequins), Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers, Stu Howarth (all Salford), Glenn Morrison, Matt Blaymire (both retired), Michael Korkidas, Semi Tadulala (both Keighley), Liam Higgins (Sheffield), Kevin Penny (Swinton), Jeremy Smith, Kevin Henderson, Samy Masselot, Ryan Tongia, Greg Johnson (all released), Gareth Moore (Batley).

Odds to finish top: 150-1.

Prospects: Pretty much an unknown quantity, it is all change for the Wildcats under new coach Richard Agar with 18 new signings and it could take time for his new-look side to gel.

Prediction: 11th.
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Warrington Wolves

Coach: Tony Smith (since March 2009)

Captain: Adrian Morley.

2011 finish: 1st

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Joel Monaghan 26; goals – Brett Hodgson 121; points – Brett Hodgson 314

Biggest Super League win: 62-0 (v Castleford, 2011) (also 66-6 v Halifax, 2003)

Biggest Super League defeat: 72-2 (v St Helens, 2002)

Ground and capacity: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 15,000

2011 average attendance: 11,149 (up 411)

Record Super League attendance: 14,206 (v Wakefield, 2004).

In: Trent Waterhouse (Penrith Panthers), Chris Hill (Leigh), Stefan Ratchford (Salford).

Out: Matt King (South Sydney), Louis Anderson (Catalan Dragons), Jon Clarke (Widnes), Lee Mitchell, Ryan Shaw (both Castleford on loan).

Odds to finish top: 9-4.

Prospects: Tony Smith has sensibly kept changes to a minimum and the Wolves look the team to beat in 2012. If they can keep their nerve when it comes to the play-offs, they could be celebrating a maiden Grand-Final victory.

Prediction: 1st.
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Widnes Vikings

Coach: Denis Betts (since November 2010)

Captain: Jon Clarke.

2011 finish: 5th in Championship

2011 leading scorers: tries – Steven Tyrer 12; goals – Steve Tyrer 69; points – Steve Tyrer – 186

Biggest Super League win: 46-10 (v Hull, 2003) (also won 52-22 v Halifax 2002)

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-4 (v Hull, 2004) (also lost 74-24 v Bradford, 2005)

Ground and capacity: Stobart Stadium, 13,350

2011 average attendance: 3,744 (up 886)

Record Super League attendance: 9,825 (v Warrington, 2005).

In: Willie Isa (Castleford), Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Ben Davies, Ben Cross (both Wigan), Frank Winterstein, Rhys Hanbury, Lloyd White, Hep Cahill (all Crusaders), Chris Dean (Wakefield), Patrick Ah Van (Bradford), Jon Clarke (Warrington), Scott Moore (St Helens), Anthony Watts (Sydney Roosters), Stefan Marsh (Wigan on season-long loan), Cameron Phelps (Hull), Sione ''John'' Kite (Melbourne).

Out: Richard Varkulis (Whitehaven), Danny Hulme, Lee Hudson, Chris Lunt (all North Wales), Chaz I'Anson (Swinton), Matt Gardner (Leigh), Danny Sculthorpe, Gareth Haggerty, Shane Grady, Dean Gaskell, Dave Houghton, Greg Scott, James Coyle, Daniel Heckenberg (all released), Tangi Ropati (Featherstone), Anthony Thackeray, Steve Tyrer (both (Halifax).

Odds to finish top: 200-1

Prospects: Denis Betts has a difficult task in moulding all his new faces into an effective unit and it could be a long, hard summer on the Vikings' return to the top flight.

Prediction: 14th.
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Wigan Warriors

Coach: Shaun Wane (since November 2011).

Captain: Sean O'Loughlin

2011 finish: 2nd

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Sam Tomkins 28; goals – Pat Richards 115; points – Pat Richards 314

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Workington, 1996)

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2005)

Ground and capacity: JJB Stadium, 25,004

2011 average attendance: 15,287 (up 110)

Record Super League attendance: 25,004 (v St Helens 2005).

In: Ben Flower, Gil Dudson, Rhodri Lloyd (all Crusaders), Epalahame Lauaki (Hull), Anthony Gelling (Auckland Vulcans).

Out: Joel Tomkins (Saracens RU), Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne), Ben Davies, Ben Cross (both Widnes), Paul Deacon, Andy Coley (both retired), Eamon O'Carroll (Hull), Stefan Marsh (Widnes on season-long loan), Kark Pryce (Bradford).

Odds to finish top: 5-2.

Prospects: The Warriors are not as strong following the departure of some experienced personnel but new coach Shaun Wane will have them knocking on the door of Old Trafford.

Prediction: 2nd.
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Odds courtesy of William Hill.

Join our Super League prediction game.

The new Super League season is only days away. In association with east London rugby league club, Barking & Dagenham Bulldgos we have created the Hot Dog Super League, via the prediction site SportGuru. Follow the link below to join us, for fun only - but we may have prizes available as we go through the season.

Join 'Hot Dog Super League -
Pool code: theedewy http://sportguru.co.uk/sh/?k=mY7hR748

Excited! Transfer Deadline Day is here. Wheel out, Jim White

Today is Transfer Deadline Day. A day in essence I don’t agree with, but for some strange reason find compelling viewing on Sky Sports News. Natalie and Jim will be gargling salted water to protect their voices, ahead of tonight’s exciting shift.

I enjoy the adrenalin rush in Jim Whites voice when something’s about to happen and pan over to the reporter freezing outside a training ground. Nothing has happened but the reporter is carried along in the enthusiasm and makes something up. They cross again to the same reporter moments later and have missed the arrival or departure of a top star. To be told, with a finger pointing towards a helicopter or champion the wonder horse, they are just leaving. It is great T.V, although the wife doesn’t think so.

That actually sounds that I’m knocking the staff at Sky Sports News. In no way am I, they have no control in timing and their reactions and responses to all these situations are fantastic. The managers have, I’m sure, come to play along with it. Transfer Deadline Day is to stay and the Sky Sports coverage has become an institution with Jim White a legend. Natalie Sawyer plays her part, with those looks that scream ‘calm down Jim’.

The rumours have started. Kevin Davies is about to extend his stay at Bolton, which means Mackem O’Neil will turn his attentions to Emile Heskey, possibly. That comes from a bloke in an Aston Cafe eating a full English. Wayne Bridge is poised to move to Sunderland having a medical as we speak confirmed, well almost.

Thomas Eisfeld is set to join the Gunners from Dortmund, but supposedly not to go straight into the first team. Speaks French, so should be fine.

Liam Ridgewell is set for the Baggies. Adding to his ‘second city’ set, Villa, the Blues and now West Brom. Bets are now available a BetJasper for when he will move to Walsall.

Ravel Morrison, a footballing talent, who enjoys the ball at his feet and passes along the ground. He is reportedly nearing a deal with Big Sam and the Happy Hammers. Still, improve his neck muscles.

Rangers striker, Nikica Jelavic, who has been linked with a host of clubs, seems to be happy with Moyesy at Everton.

Chelsea has signed Kevin De Bruyne form Ghent. Their West London neighbours, QPR – who I predict will be very busy today, have offloaded Bradley Orr to Blackburn Rovers. Steve Keen will be popular, signing players as promised.

Outside the Premier league is exciting too. Bournemouth signed Matt Tubbs from Crawley yesterday are about to sign Matt Ritchie form Swindon.

Dave Andrews, John Still are yet to make an impact on TTD., I believe Tevez is available Dave – he would do well at the Daggers.

Still 13.5 hours to go – exciting. Good luck Natalie for tonight and trying to control Jim.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote's unbeaten run ended.

Ian reports as Lanzarote go down to a single goal. No need to fear the boys will pull it back in the next couple of weeks.

C.D. VERA 1 LANZAROTE

The Rojillos eleven match unbeaten run came to an end in a six pointer against playoff rivals C.D. Vera on Sunday afternoon. This disappointing result leaves Lanzarote six points adrift of fourth spot though with two home games in succession it could all change very quickly.

The home side started the match decisively. After only five minutes winger Óliver flew past Rojillos defender Taja and centred in a perfect cross which was struck home in off the post by striker Jony leaving the Lanzarote keeper no chance in preventing a 1-0 advantage to the Tenerife side.

C.D. Vera immediately looked to extend their lead and was dominating possession however Echedey came close to restoring parity but his effort rebounded off the post and away to safety.

Lanzarote defended well and keeper Ruymán made two good saves in the final ten minutes of the first half to keep his side in with a shout as the Rojillos struggled to see out the first 45 minutes.

The second half and Lanzarote finally reacted to the pace of the game. As the minutes passed by so did the confidence and with the home side stepping back the Rojillos pressed forward. In the 58th minute Toñito struck the ball well though only saw his effort rebound off the crossbar.

In the closing minutes the Rojillos were all out attack and when Ayoze squared a pass to Toñito in the danger zone it seemed certain Lanzarote were going to draw level but the Lanzarote winger pulled his shot wide as did the hopes of the Rojillos salvaging what would have been a priceless point.

Lanzarote have slipped back to ninth spot in the table but with successive home games against clubs lower down the league and then it’s an away trip to fifth from bottom side San Andrés, all is still possible. First up on Sunday is the home match against C.D. Mensajero.

GOALS
1-0 min 5 Jony

WSN Basketball: Wasps Slay Dragons to Reclaim Fourth

Thanks to Dave Bushall and our friends at the Wasps, for providing match report and pictures.

Hull Wasps player-coach Matt Fawcett inspired his side to overcome a sluggish start, and put an end to Bradford Dragons seven-game winning streak with a 72-64 victory on Saturday evening.

In front of a packed crowd at the Bonus Arena the Wasps found it hard to get into the game and fell behind early on. Miles Anderson and a three pointer from Adrian Blatherwick opened up the scoring for the home side but the Dragons looked sharp and opened up a six point lead to close out the first quarter 21-15 ahead.

Matt Fawcett made some swift changes in the second period and the Wasps began to claw their way back into the game. With a full team rotation mid-way through the period, the Wasps managed to close the gap by three points and go in at the half 32-35 behind.

The third period saw a very even contest continue between the two sides, who were placed fourth and fifth in the league before the evening began. John Brignell led the line for the Wasps with some strong inside scoring. The Wasps' captain scored 12 of their 17 points to bring the home side to within one-point at the end of the period (49-50).

But an inspirational Matt Fawcett and ever commanding John Brignell, led the Wasps to a commanding final quarter performance to take control of the game. The Wasps outscored their opponents 23-14 in the period to cap an outstanding fight back and win 72-64.

Following the game, Fawcett said: "It was a great fight back from the team tonight. We played well in the second half particularly. I always felt we had the team to win but we didn't do ourselves any favours with the start we had. We've been in these situations before and our experience pulled us through this time.

"It's been a hard mental recovery this week for us. The defeat at Lions last week was a big psychological blow to us I think and to bounce back tonight in the manner we did, once again shows the character of our team. I'm very proud of my players tonight and we can go away next week to Burnley with our heads held high."

The Wasps are now back into fourth position in National League 4 North but sit four points behind third-place Middlesbrough. John Brignell led the scoring for the Wasps with 22 points. Fawcett, Rayner and Anderson all scored 12 points each.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates beat the Welsh to move second

Thanks to our friends at Cornish Pirates for providing the photo and match report.

Cornish Pirates 27-6 London Welsh

RFU Championship Round 19

Sunday 29th January 2012

Woll's Match Report

Judging by the post-match support of the Cadgwith Singers; not many noticed the gloom descending on a cold and damp Mennaye Field in the wake of comprehensive home win, that saw the Pirates finish the weekend in second spot. Barring perhaps the few hardy and vocal travelling London Welsh support, who must have known the game was up even after Davies’ first, of two penalties, had given his side the lead in the 17th minute.

Such was the manner of victory, that the last half hour was rather like a ‘pilot’ for some new reality game show, along the lines of Celebrity Mauling and Scrummaging on Mud. The Cornish pack had by then taken the game by the scruff of the neck and throttled any viable threat from the visitors, who simply couldn’t cope with the conditions that were in no small way, vile.

The pitch was a pudding underneath its deceptively green surface, and the ball a bar of soap, in a game the purists and oldsters must have salivated over as kick off approached. Even last weeks ‘man in the middle’, Ian Davies, was so excited, his pre match Granny Smith was inexplicably overlooked.

A sign of impending doom in normal times. But not today and from the first minute, as young fly half Penberthy opened up with a delightful chip touch finder into the Welsh 22. A benchmark was laid down.

In fact, the whipper-snapper stood out throughout, and utterly overshadowed his more experienced opposite number who, after incurring the wrath of JP in the 54 th minute; was withdrawn without further requirement after his detention.

That said, Aaron not unsurprisingly found himself targeted for some close attention which required Mr Doyle’s intervention on more than one occasion. Was he flustered? Let his first 47 metre penalty attempt, to give the Pirates a lead they weren’t to relinquish answer that particular query!

Beforehand, Davies, and then Cook had swapped three pointers and the Cornish 8 were beginning to rumble ominously. Ask Welsh’s Lewis as he turned inside his own 22 and close to touch, only to see Ward and others bearing down on him and nowhere to go only 5 metres out.

The resulting lineout could only mean one thing and so, with Pirate skipper Cattle being totally ignored as the line beckoned; it was Brits taking the honours and a celebratory rub down with the magic sponge.

Cook’s extras extended the lead to ten to raise hopes of further success, which duly came ten minutes later.

Marriott and Gibson had squabbled over a high ball on the Welsh 22, which resulted in the former Albion winger having to limp gingerly off; to be replaced by Ron Weasley lookalike, and former Bedford man; Hurrell.

JP had meanwhile pinged the visitors which Penberthy wasted little time in going for the corner; and a second strike to hopefully kill off the Welsh threat completely. It was a good call, which set up Ward for the second try of the game on the back of a reset maul which only had one intention.

The visitors were now staring down the barrel, which even Davies’s second and final score of the day on the stroke of half time, did little to allay. Coming as it did in fortunate circumstance on the back of a daisy cutter of a pass from Lewis, 15m out.

A clean set of shirts for JP and hosts was the only real change after the break, as McGlone continued his sides tenacious defensive effort hitherto. Jackson felt the full force of this particular collision and never really fully recovered his senses as a consequence.

Even so the men in brown…red…whatever, at least strove for a score that may give some hope of a fight back.

However with conditions become ever more like a throwback to times past, it increasingly looked a vain cause.

Evans it was then, with half an hour still left to remind everyone that were some backs out there, who won the foot race to a Cattle kick through, and nab the crucial third home try. The winning score as it transpired with little left of significance other than to record a defining image of the day.

Picture former Pirate favourite, Ma’asi, with ball in hand and moving forwards at pace. Note then Cooper’s tackle on the hooker which stopped the Tongan in his tracks, before making swift progress in the opposite direction. The turnover was the final straw and pretty much summed up the afternoon.

I think we can savour that don’t you?

Cornish Pirates
15 R. Cook 14 R. McAtee 13 A. Short (22 G. Pointer 64mins) 12 T. Cooper 11 M. Evans
10 A. Penberthy (21 C. Thomas55 mins) 9 G. Cattle (capt) (20 T. Kessell 73mins) 8 B. Maidment 7 P. Burgess 6 K. Marriott (18 M. Smith73 mins)
5 I. Nimmo (19 M. Myerscough 55mins) 4 L. McGlone 3 R. Brits (16 A. Paver 55mins) 2 D. Ward (17 T. Cowan-Dickie 73mins) 1 C. Rimmer
Replacements: all used.

Tries: Brits, Ward, Evans
Cons: Cook 3
Pens: Cook, Penberthy

London Welsh
15 A. Davies 14 L. Gibson (21 W. Hurrell 35mins) 13 H. Tonga’uiha 12 S. Jewell 11 J. Ajuwa
10 G. Ross ©(19 G. Johnson 65mins) 9 R. Lewis (20 J. Winter-Moates 61mins)
1 B. Moss (17 G. Roan 73mins) 2 S. Nelson (16 V. Ma’asi 73mins) 3 S. Pittman 4 M. Corker (18 A. Brown 65mins)
5 M. Purdy 6 B. Russell 7 M. Hills (22 E. Thrower 61mins) 8 E. Jackson
Replacements: all used
Pens: Davies 2

Yellow: Ross

Match Officials
Referee: J. P. Doyle
Assistants: Paul Kimber & Richard Parker-Sedgmore

Man of the Match: Carl Rimmer

Attendance: 1802

Match Officials
Referee: J. P. Doyle (RFU)
Assistants: Paul Kimber & Richard Parker-Sedgmore

Match Day Sponsor: Vospers