Roman Revolution

‘SO far Roman Abramovich has splashed out £36.9m on four new players for Chelsea.

Lance knew he should never have taken the stabilisers off

The Times shows them to be Geremi (£6.9m), Wayne Bridge (£7m), Glen Johnson (£6m) and now £17m for Damien Duff.

The Independent is right to use the world ‘revolution’ when taking about Chelsea. The money the club is spending is keeping the transfer market buoyant and making the off-season one of rare interest.

So much of the football conversation is usually about Manchester United, and with a nod to tradition the Indy makes mention of that team from the grim north.

It seems that United chairman Peter Kenyon might have had his tongue in his cheek when he said that United were not interested in signing Duff.

The paper says that, while Kenyon made contact with Blackburn, Duff’s former club, Roy Keane rang his fellow Irishman to discuss a move to Old Trafford.

But it wasn’t enough and Duff has made the move to London. Which is one in the eye for United and a shot in the arm for the Chelski Blues.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph shows Tour De France reigning champion Lance Armstrong taking a tumble off his bike at the foot of Luz-Ardiden.

The paper takes up this story, saying how with six miles to go on the 100-mile stage from Bagneres to Bigorre, Armstrong fell.

Or was he pushed? The full story is that a small bag being held by a spectator became entangled on the American’s handlebars. Armstrong was handbagged.

Such things are commonplace on the Tour, where spectators recklessly dive in front of bikes and cars nip between the cyclists.

But the incredible thing is Armstrong’s reaction. He climbed back on his bike and won the leg. Truly epic stuff.

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Posted: 22nd, July 2003 | In: Back pages Comment | TrackBack | Permalink