Coach should not ‘stick to football’ when football strays into politics and death but his role as fluffer for his club’s autocratic owners cannot be ignored You may find yourself living in a glass and steel yak-fur-lined penthouse. You may find yourself with six Premier League titles and a sport...
Bompastor faces unfamiliar scenario as Chelsea aim to dispel crisis talk
Manager caught in the first sticky patch of her career, but has agreed a new contract despite falling out of WSL title race Dejected body language, talk of a crisis, and a 12-point gap ruling them out of the title before the second week of February. For a Chelsea team...
Beleaguered Crystal Palace enduring the unhappiest of new years
After the euphoria of the FA Cup triumph the south London club are suffering turmoil and recrimination in 2026 Crystal Palace supporters are not used to this attention. After an unforgettable 2025 that broke new ground for the south London club as they won their first major trophy, the first...
Wales must remember miracles are possible or the Six Nations will lose a slice of its soul
The off-field politics are toxic, Wales are on a terrible run and England are flying, but everyone needs Saturday’s game to be competitive at Twickenham Are you a Wales fan reading this on the train to London? If so, let’s huddle in tight and try to stay positive. In round...
‘We are all connected’: Winter Olympics opening ceremony stresses harmony and showcases Italy
A stunning curtain-raiser was a fitting celebration of the host country and the Games – with wider messages never far from the surface This was an opening ceremony for the ages: effortlessly chic, bewitching and divine. Milan simultaneously delivered a three-hour love letter to Italy, and a plea for hope...
Menstrual blood test could offer alternative to cervical screening for cancer
Researchers say blood sample strip, which can be used at home, can pick up virus that causes cervical cancer A pioneering test of period blood for signs of cervical cancer could be a convenient, non-invasive and accurate way of screening for the disease, researchers have said. A regular sanitary pad...
Most statin side-effects not caused by the drugs, study finds
While labels list dozens of possible risks only four are supported by evidence, say researchers Almost all side-effects listed for statins are not caused by the drugs, according to the world’s most comprehensive review of evidence. Other than the well-known risks around muscle pain and diabetes, only four of 66...
UK ‘could lose generation of scientists’ with cuts to projects and research facilities
UK’s research funding body says best scientists are taking posts overseas due to lack of job stability at home Hundreds of early career researchers have warned the UK will lose a generation of scientists after the announcement of significant cuts to physics projects and research facilities. Scientists working in particle...